While teaching in Brandon, Chad rediscovered his love of teaching and creating artwork, especially watercolor paintings. This passion encouraged him to join the Common Ground Artist Group. As a member of the group he explored Watercolor and Mixed Media. This work laid the foundation for his current thematic explorations of the Paleolithic age, spiritual struggle, family and nature. In 2008 Nelson enrolled in a graduate level printmaking course at Augustana College. After completing the first course Chad decided to continue his printmaking education by taking additional classes. He then became the artist in residence in the printmaking studio.Over the past two years Chad has also studied at the Frogman’s Press Workshops at the University of South Dakota.