Painter Kalju Nagel (1918-2005) was born in Ibaste village, Tartu County. His childhood was spent in Ahja, Metsküla, Raudsepa farm. Studied in 1936-1939 in Pallas, A.Vardi’s studio, from where he was called up for military service in 1939. Participated in II. In World War II. Continued in 1945-1947. art studies under the supervision of A.Vardi at the Tartu State Art Institute. 1957-1963 a. During this period, he was repeatedly elected chairman of the Tartu branch of the Artists’ Union. He was one of the most active initiators and completers of the construction of Tartu Art House. Since 1966, KL has been organizing art exhibitions in Southern Estonia as a consultant.
Member of the Estonian Artists’ Union since 1956. Participated in exhibitions since 1947. Created landscape painting, less still life, portraits and figure composition.