Anna Nelson has been interested in art ever since she can remember and began drawing and painting at a very young age. Her Italian heritage is a constant in her heart and soul and the beauty of Italy is an endless inspiration in both her Plein Air work and studio paintings. Her paintings reflect not only her travels but everyday subject matter such as cosmetics, desserts, high heel shoes and little girl mary-janes. She also enjoys painting the rich coastal scenes and landscapes in Sonoma county.
She graduated from UCLA with a degree in Italian Language and Literature, attended Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA as an Illustration/Painting major and began accepting freelance work and commission paintings.
Anna had the opportunity to live in Florence, Italy in the summer of 1980 and worked as a tour leader for a group of students from UCLA. Her enthusiasm for travel started early and has been a passion for many years, touring and painting on location throughout Europe.
Married to award winning artist Craig Nelson, Anna has organized and assisted with summer European Plein Air painting workshops throughout Italy, France and Austria.
In 1992, Anna began teaching Still Life Painting at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA and has been a member of the faculty ever since. She has been involved for the past 12 years with the implementation of the Fine Art Online program and is currently the Online Director for the School of Fine Art.
Anna currently exhibits at Waterhouse Gallery in Santa Barbara, CA, Garden Gallery in Half Moon Bay, CA, and participates in special event shows in selected galleries, including the annual Fine Art Faculty and Alumni auction at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA.
Anna and Craig reside in Santa Rosa, CA and have three wonderful ch