Meet Elaine
Elaine I. Nelson is an artist, author, and storyteller whose work invites curiosity, conversation, and imagination. Through expressive paintings and engaging stories, she creates meaningful connections and encourages viewers to pause, reflect, and discover the story unfolding within each piece.
Elaine’s Story
A Lifelong Love of Color and Story
Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Elaine discovered the magic of color at just five years old. She began painting at age 22 while attending community college, where she studied drawing, arts, and crafts. Her creative journey later took her to St. Louis and Huntsville, with each chapter of life adding depth, feeling, and story to her work.
Her artwork reflects a lifelong appreciation for creativity, storytelling and the beauty found in both everyday life and extraordinary dreams. whether painting whimsical subjects or though-provoking scenes, Elaine strives to create pieces that connect emotionally with people of all ages.
Artist & Author
A Creative Journey
Rooted in Story
Elaine’s work has been shared through exhibitions, community spaces, and meaningful encounters with art lovers. Her first public showing was held at a nightclub, followed by her first solo exhibition at Ralston Purina headquarters in St. Louis. Today, she continues creating paintings and books that reflect resilience, imagination, and the power of storytelling where art and literature come together to inspire curiosity and meaningful connections.
Original Art
Expressive paintings created to inspire curiosity, reflection, and connection.
Published Author
Author of First the Fire and Then the Lie, a story of resilience, forgiveness, and hope.
Artist & Storyteller
Every painting and book invites viewers and readers to discover a meaningful story.
Elaine’s Memoir
First the Fire and Then the Lie
Set in 1950s Denver, First the Fire and Then the Lie shares Elaine’s deeply personal story of family separation, childhood hardship, and perseverance. Through honesty, forgiveness, and hope, she offers readers a moving testament to the strength of the human spirit.
This story takes place in the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado in the early fifties. Elaine was a happy, playful five-year old living with her single mom and four older sisters. Then tragedy suddenly struck home. A Short time later, her mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia and chronic depression. As a result of her mother’s illness, Elaine and her sisters were separated and placed in foster homes. After several temporary stays with her grandparents and other relatives, she became the property of the state of Colorado, placed permanently into the foster care system. After years of trying to trust the system, Elaine was transferred to an orphanage. It was for colored children located in another city many miles from her friends and familiar surrounds. After years of suppressing the dark fires and lies of her haunting memories, Elaine found strength in forgiveness and love and now she has opened up to the world to share her challenges, hoping in some small way, others will draw strength from her stories of survival.