Working from his home studio in Oak Park, Illinois, Douglas Nelson creates minimalist and geometric abstract art. He uses acrylic paint on canvas to produce contemporary works that are intended to lift one's spirits through the use of vivid colors and clear geometric patterns.

He especially enjoys experimenting with the interplay of hues in unaccustomed combinations.

Originally a Chicagoan working in the corporate world, Douglas was sent off to Germany for an 18-month assignment in the 1980s - this turned into a 33-year sojourn giving rise to a family of four German/ American children and a life path which he had never imagined. While painting as a hobby in Germany, he developed a deep interest in color and minimalist art. He is influenced by several mid-century artists including Ellsworth Kelly, Victor Vasarely, Donald Judd, among many others, and also by more recent artists like Yaacov Agam in Israel.

Having returned to Chicago a few years ago, he started exhibiting and selling his artwork in 2023. In the meantime, he has successfully displayed his work (both original paintings and high-quality art prints) at over forty art fairs throughout the Chicago and Midwest area and in various galleries.