Nellie Buel 1908-2002

Nellie V. Buel (nee Upton), was born in 1908. Nellie attended Oregon State in Corvallis and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a BA in Anthropology and Art. After many years as a faculty and Air Force wife and mother, Nellie resumed her full time interest in art. She studied under many notable artist-teachers, including Harding Black, Harold Roney, Dennis Olson and Kent Rush.

Nellie Buel's work has been accepted in local and national juried shows. She has won numerous awards and prizes from art groups such as the San Antonio Art League and the San Antonio Watercolor Group, among others. Nellie's work is also included in permanent collections at St. Mary's University, the Healy-Murphy Learning Center, McAllen International Museum, the Hal Prince Collection (NY), Tamarind Institute Archives (Albuquerque, NM), and the McNay Art Museum Study Collection.

Nellie V. Buel died in the United States in 2002.

Nellie V. (Upton) Buel, born January 15, 1908, Portland, OR, died November 15, 2002. She attended Oregon State in Corvallis and graduated from University of California-Berkeley with a BA in Anthropology and Art. After many years as a faculty wife, Air Force wife and mother, Nellie resumed her full time interest in art. She studied under many notable artist-teachers, including Harding Black, Harold Roney, Dennis Olson, and Kent Rush. Although she was equally talented and proficient in all media, her interests soon specialized in graphics, in particular hand-pulled, limited editions of etchings, calligraphy, monotype, and woodblocks on handmade papers. Her work has been accepted in local and national juried shows, with awards and prizes from art groups such as San Antonio Art League, San Antonio Watercolor Group, Hill Country Arts Foundations, Texas Watercolor Society, and International Society of Experimental Artists. Nellie's work is also included in permanent collections at St. Mary's University, Healy-Murphy Learning Center, McAllen International Museum, Hal Prince Collection (NY), Tamarind Institute Archives (Albuquerque, NM) and McNay Art Museum Study Collection. After she and her husband retired to Boerne, they founded the Cibolo Studio in Comfort, Nellie's art studio and gallery, which she shared with Debbie Little-Wilson. Working in her studio, participating in shows, and sharing knowledge, techniques, and ideas with other artists, she continued to expand her artistic endeavors and creativity until very recently. She also gave of her time and talent through her teaching and critiquing other artists' works. Sadly, the contents of Cibolo Studio were heavily damaged during July, 2002 floods, causing closure of the studio after 30 years at the same location. She is predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Col. (USAF) Jack Buel. She is survived by her daughter, Ellen Todd Hanks (George); son, John Thomas Buel; three grandaughters, Kathryn Buel, Elizabeth Buel, and Natalie Mund (Randy) and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a host of artist friends and colleagues, but most especially by Debbie Little-Wilson, Dripping Springs, her protegee, close friend, companion, and fellow printmaker, and Sue Hovey, Kerrville. The family wishes to thank Vitas Hospice staff, Dr. Larry Davis, Darwin Huartson, Dolly Kelly, Denise Plested, Mary Buchanan, Beth Guthrie, Lupita Martinez and Frankie Sue Hernandez for their tender care of Nellie during her last days. A Celebration of Nellie's Life will be held at a later date. Those wishing to make memorials may contribute to San Antonio Art League, Women and Their Work (Austin), International Society of Experimental Artists, or the charity of your choice.