Rene was born in the 1950's at Warlu, a rock hole west of Irrunytju, near Papulankutja (Blackstone). As a young child Rene lived a semi nomadic lifestyle in the desert. Rene walked with her family to Warburton Mission and then on to Areyonga mission in the Northern Territory where she went to school. Years later the family walked to Papulankutja in Western Australia and then on to Irrunytju community where Nelson married and raised her five children and five grandchildren. A founding member of Irrunytju Arts, Rene's paintings continue to draw on her knowledge of Country and the important rock holes around her place of birth. Her work is characterised by layers of vibrant colours, intensified by precise dotting. Rene enjoys experimenting with new mediums, she is a skilled bush woman and incorporates her love of traditional craft skills including punu (wood) carving, tjanpi (grass) weaving and bead work into a contemporary art practice. 'Tin Art', using discarded and flattened tin and metal as a canvas, was initiated in 2017 before Minyma Kutjara artists had access to a functioning studio and materials. Tin Art has continued to flourish with new and exciting works being produced.