Governor Perdue to Present G8 Leaders with Oil Landscape Painting by Georgia Artist

ATLANTA, GA - Governor Sonny Perdue will present to each G8 Leader an oil landscape painting depicting the Marshes of Glynn by Carrollton artist Tom Nielsen. Each painting has an attached plaque noting that it is a gift from Governor Perdue and the citizens of Georgia .

"Each painting captures Georgia 's unique marsh lands. It's my hope that these images will provide our distinguished guests with a lasting memory of the natural beauty of our coastal region," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "I want to express my appreciation to Tom Nielsen for lending his artistic talent to our G8 efforts."

The artist, Tom Nielsen, has been painting portraits and landscapes for over four decades. He maintains a studio in Carrollton , Georgia with his wife Jan, also an artist. His portrait subjects range from children to national leaders and can be found in collections nationwide. He was the designer of a commemorative silver dollar from the U.S. Mint, a bronze medallion for the U.S. Congress, and other official works of art for the U.S. Government. In recent years, he has devoted more time to painting southern landscapes. "I am honored to paint these landscapes on behalf of the Governor and the citizens of Georgia ," said Nielsen.

Mildred Wilcox, President of the Left Bank Art Gallery on St. Simon's Island , was instrumental in selecting the landscape scenes and donated the frames surrounding each painting. Buck Bennett, Habitat Program Manager for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, provided Nielsen with a special tour of area rivers to gather subject matter.