Our mission
Two Bridges Art Academy was formed out of a desire to provide artists an opportunity to grow and develop their skills through a supportive online community. We believe that online classes can be just as powerful as in person classes if done right. Through a combination of online classes, workshops and in person events, we have something to offer artists at all levels.
Our mission at Two Bridges Art Academy is to offer our students two artistic study options. One option is to take single or multiple introductory classes through our Bridge I offerings. This is a great option for those new to art or returning to art. The second Two Bridges Art Academy experience, Bridge II, is geared towards artists wanting to build their skills through a curated and balanced curriculum.
Above all else, we’re hopeful that you’ll immerse yourself in our Two Bridges art community. We’re here to inspire, encourage and cheer you on! We believe that everyone has a unique artistic voice waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, we have something for you. Join our online community and let’s create something beautiful together!
Scott Nelson Co-Founder
Lisa Pueschel Co-Founder
A little about the Two Bridges Art Academy founders
Our individual journeys have been different, but our unique experiences are what makes Two Bridges Academy so special.
SCOTT NELSON CO-FOUNDER
Scott Nelson is one of the nation’s top humor and children’s literature artists. He’s rendered and authored thousands of greeting cards. His freelance client list include American Greetings, Oatmeal Studios, Hallmark and more. His illustrated children’s books have been published by Golden Books for Children/Random House. When not working in humor markets Scott can often be found painting landscapes, traditional portraits and rendering figurative work in watercolor, graphite, acrylic and oil paint. He also enjoys working in pen & ink, pan pastel and colored pencil.
After studying at WTI under famed Rockport Art Association member Alex Gazonas, Scott opened his own Worcester, MA freelance art studio in 1987. He’s won numerous watercolor painting awards and gained recognition with clients in the NFL and NHL for his sports illustrations. He’s also won the prestigious Mom’s Choice Awards for his children’s book entitled Mulch the LawnMower. In 2006 Scott started teaching classes at the Worcester Art Museum. He’s now expanding his instruction offerings with the Two Bridges Art Academy.
“I couldn’t be more excited to begin this exciting new chapter of my artistic career. To help guide an artist’s personal journey is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. I truly love all of my students and am constantly thrilled to witness them gain confidence right in front of me.”
LISA PUESCHEL CO-FOUNDER
Lisa obtained her BFA with a minor in Art History from UMass Amherst. While in school she studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bruges, Belgium and instantly fell in love with the architecture and beauty of Europe. Lisa has traveled often to Europe since and continues to be inspired with each visit, which is reflected in some of her work.
Lisa worked in various executive leadership roles leading large teams during her corporate career from which she retired in 2022. “My most rewarding experiences came from coaching others to seek their full potential. I truly get energized seeing team members succeed”. Part of her career was spent in the classroom, training employees across the US, Canada and Europe on how to build better business processes. Lisa is a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and has built numerous training programs to support business process efforts.
After leaving the business world, Lisa turned her focus once again to her first passion, art. Lisa’s work consists of a range of mediums including oils, acrylics, pastels and watercolors. She also loves figure drawing and portrait work.
“I am thrilled to be partnering with Scott on this new adventure. Combining my passion for teaching with my passion for art is a dream!”
Meet our other amazing instructors!
Diane Mulligan
Diane Mulligan is a high school English teacher, author of three novels and a novella, and a watercolor artist from Central Massachusetts. She is an associate member of both the New England Watercolor Society and the Rhode Island Watercolor Society, as well as a member of Arts Worcester. Diane is also an avid participant in meet ups with the Central Massachusetts Plein Air Artists Group and the Massachusetts Plein Air Artists Group, Urban Sketchers Boston, and Urban Sketchers of Rhode Island.
When she’s not teaching, writing, and painting, Diane can be found rock climbing with her hubby, strumming her guitar and singing sad, sappy folk songs, or spending long hours in her kitchen baking homemade bread.
You can follow her painting adventures on Instagram @dianepaintsflowers and you can subscribe to her Substack for meditations on art and life and other news.
Ellen Gould
Ellen Gould is a multimedia artist with four decades of experience. Her works include paper mache masks, mono prints, and fiber arts with a focus on wall hangings and rugs. Ellen has experience teaching fiber arts, design, color and publishing in rug hooking magazines. Her past educational experiences include courses at RISD, NESFA, WAM, HCA, certificate in teaching from the McGown rug hooking national guild.
Ellen’s current medium is oil painting and she enjoys sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge with others in the hope that this inspires creativity in others. You can find examples of her work on Instagram @ellenmgould_artist and on her website.