Sherry C. Nelson, MDA

birdlady@sherrycnelson.com 

  Sherry is known throughout the United States and across the world for her paintings of realistic birds and other wildlife, which she has taught for over 40 years.  Seminars in 46 states and several foreign countries have given her the opportunity to share both her love of birds and her techniques for painting them.  

  Sherry has been an active member of the National Society of Decorative Painters since its inception.  The National Society recognized her painting skill when she was awarded the Master Decorative Artist certification.  She is a past-President of the organization and received the prestigious Silver Palette Award in recognition of her promotion of decorative painting worldwide.

  Sherry incorporated her business, The Magic Brush, Inc., and moved to the far SE corner of Arizona, in the Chiricahua Mountains, to 40 acres bordering the Chiricahua Wilderness more than 20 years ago.  Great scenery and biodiversity - bears and coyotes and javelina and coatis and a world-class check-list of yard birds - inspire her creativity.

  In Sherry's words:  "Traveling to observe and photograph birds and other wildlife to create a reference and resource for my painting - that's what I love most.  This past year, Deb and I have traveled to observe birds in Central and Northern Peru for 6 weeks, did butterfly photography for a field guide to butterflies of the Andes in Colombia for a month and experienced an amazing 3 weeks in Borneo, Malaysia, an extraordinary time in the highest and most ancient of forests on earth. Exploring the tropics somewhere in the world is the essence of what I cherish most in my life…and what a pleasure it is to share my love of rainforests and their amazing birdlife with you through my paintings."

photolady@sherrycnelson.com 

   Deborah has two Master's degrees, and taught both Kindergarten and Special Education in the state of Texas for many years before coming to work for The Magic Brush, Inc.  Her educational background provided many important skills she uses daily dealing with the demands of our business.  Deb has been employed by the Magic Brush since 1984 and has made a major impact on the business of decorative painting in countless ways.

   In the day-to-day operation of The Magic Brush, Inc, Deby wears many hats.  

  Of ongoing importance is Deb's skill with the camera.  She has produced the hundreds of step-by-step photos that appear in Sherry's books, photographs projects and close-ups of new paintings for classroom use, and provides the hundreds of wonderful reference shots that make it possible for Sherry to create realistic new bird and wildlife paintings for your pleasure.  Her skill with a video camera is equally valued:  all our videos that bring Sherry's teaching right into your home studio were taped by Deb.

   When Sherry travel teaches, she does so on video camera, so that the students can have 'live close-up demos' at their table, providing an enriched, exciting classroom experience that enhances learning.

   Deb does all the set-ups, the cable connections, the behind-the-scenes stuff that makes it possible 'to take our show on the road."

Deb is the resident computer guru, the technical wizard that makes all the office equipment function - and  provides critical technical assistance to Sherry and to students who have many questions about their Apple equipment.  She is also the designer and webmaster for this site, an ongoing challenge that requires near-daily changes and upkeep to be of service to you, our special customers.  

In addition, there's bookkeeping, tax reports - the business end of things.  Deb's continuing efforts to keep the Magic Brush on track is what makes it possible for Sherry to spend her time creating and designing the latest in new project pieces for your pleasure.

Perhaps her most important skill is her good humor and limitless patience in dealing with the demands of the business.  From taking orders to helping students with the latest problem with their cameras - no one that comes to a class or purchases painting items from The Magic Brush can help becoming her fan.