Beatrice

George Laurence Nelson (born George Laurence Hirschberg) was born in 1887 to artists Carl and Alice Kerr-Nelson Hirschberg in New Rochelle, NY. His parents, both immigrants, were well known in the American and European art scenes.

Nelson began drawing at an early age. By the time he was 10, he had begun a magazine, where he would publish his artwork and writings. Originally called "The American Monthly Paper," the name changed to "The American Weekly Paper" as the issues became more numerous. In 1904, he won a contest held by Crayola Crayons, for a sketch of a cow, done in crayon. It would be the first of many awards he received during his lifetime.

In his early 20s, Nelson traveled to Europe – spending time in France, Spain, Italy – before returning to the U.S. and establishing his studio in New York City, where he would spend his time painting. He would remain in New York until 1919, when he and his father moved to Connecticut and began a summer school for painting. He spent the rest of his life in Connecticut with his wife of 56 years Helen and daughter Beatrice.

During his lifetime, Nelson mastered the art of painting – whether it be a portrait or landscape. A member of The National Arts Club, he exhibited extensively, including at Paris Salons, National Academy of Design, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts.