My work combines both classical and direct painting methods, which often causes the subject to become somewhat idealized while preserving its mystery and essence. My subject matter includes still life and floral painting, plein air and wildlife, but I especially love painting the human figure and any subject where various art forms—such as dance and music—can overlap.
When I became I mother, I found my true voice in creating self-portraits and paintings of my children. My work intimately conveys the joys and struggles of my life. As a young artist I was obsessed with mastering technique and spent countless hours perfecting skin tones or drawing the figure. Now, my focus has shifted to design by means of light and shadow, perspective, shape, and color.
My current work still draws largely upon my day to day experiences and the people in my life—especially my two children—but I paint whatever baits my curiosity, whether that be the cloud shadows on a hillside, the fleeting blossoms of springtime, or the soft, buttery skin of infant hands and feet.
Anna Rose Bain (b. 1985) is a fine art oil painter and commissioned portrait artist based in Colorado. Her paintings often depict people in peaceful settings or places that evoke happiness. She especially loves painting women and children, and seeks to convey all of her subjects with honesty and sensitivity. Anna was self taught until college. Inspired by her grandfather, who started painting at the age of 70, Anna spent her free time as a child sketching from nature and poring over art books. She studied fine art at Hillsdale College from 2003-2007, and in 2006 she took a figure painting course at the Florence Academy of Art. After graduating from Hillsdale with honors and distinguishing herself as the first student in the school’s history to have a solo senior show, she continued her education by studying with several renowned artists including Judith Carducci, Clayton J. Beck, III, Nancy Guzik, and more. Anna now resides in Arvada, CO with her husband Steve and their two children. She works full-time as a fine art oil painter and commissioned portrait artist. She also teaches workshops, and is actively involved in the local arts communities. Having had such inspiring teachers and role models in her own life, she firmly believes in sharing her passion and knowledge of classical art with other aspiring artists, as well as showing practical ways to stay up to date in today’s changing art market. She is a Signature member of the Oil Painters of America and an Out of State Artist member of the California Art Club. She is also a member of Plein Air Artists of Colorado, and is a Signature faculty member of the Portrait Society of America. Her award-winning work can be found in numerous private and public collections around the world.
Anna’s style employs a direct painting method while drawing from classical roots. She gains inspiration from the joys and struggles in her life, seeking to make the world a better place through her art. Her paintings are an expression of gratitude and an exploration of the questions one faces at different stages of their life. For example, her award winning self portrait, “The Wait and the Reward,” is a coming to terms with change and a joyous celebration of new life.
• Oil Painters of America Signature Member
• Portrait Society of America Signature Member and recurring Faculty Artist
• California Art Club Out of State Member
• Plein Air Artists of Colorado
• The Artist's Magazine - September/October 2023 – Cover winner and 2-page feature
• Artists and Illustrators Magazine (UK) - July 2023 - 6-page feature article
• Art of the West Magazine - July/August 2022 - 6-page feature article
• Southwest Art Magazine - December 2019/January 2020 - 6-page feature article
• American Art Collector Magazine - June 2019 - one-page article on the unveiling of Anna’s portrait of Abraham Lincoln
• International Artist Magazine - April/May 2018 – 2-page process article
• Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine - February 2018 - Cover image ("Vintage Tutu")
• Southwest Art Magazine - December 2017 – 1-page editorial for winning 1st place in the “Artistic Excellence” competition
• International Artist Magazine - October/November 2017 – brief editorial in the Art of the Portrait "Master Showcase" section
• Southwest Art Magazine - September 2013 - featured in the annual "21 Under 31" article
Selected Awards and Exhibitions
The Artist’s Magazine Cover Competition (2023) – Top prize and cover of the September/October 2023 issue for “Taking Flight”
Oil Painters of America National Juried Exhibition (2022) - GOLD MEDAL & Members Choice for "King of the Wild Things"
11th Annual Plein Air Salon (2022) - Honorable Mention for "Taking Flight"
Colorado Governor's Art Show (2022) - Award of Merit for "Strength and Stormclouds"
Portrait Society of America International Competition (2022) - Certificate of Excellence (top 50 award) for "Curiosity and Chaos"
Oil Painters of America National Juried Exhibition (2021) - Members Choice for "Curiosity and Chaos"
Portrait Society of America International Competition (2020) - Top 25 Finalist and Award of Exceptional Merit for "Child of Spring"
Richeson75 "Figure/Portraits" Exhibition, Kimberly, WI (2018) - 1st Place Oils/Acrylics for "Strength and Storm Clouds"
Portrait Society of America International Competition (2018) - Top 25 Finalist and Award of Exceptional Merit for "Silent Snowfall"
Southwest Art Magazine Annual Artistic Excellence Competition (2017) - 1st Place for "Vintage Tutu"
Oil Painters of America Western Regional Juried Exhibition (2017) - GOLD MEDAL for "Silent Snowfall"
Boldbrush Online Painting Competition (April 2017) - BEST OF SHOW for "Silent Snowfall"
Portrait Society of America International Competition (2017) - Top 25 Finalist and Award of Exceptional Merit for "A Fleeting Moment"
Oil Painters of America Online Showcase Competition (Fall 2016) - 2nd Place Signature Member Category for "A Fleeting Moment"
Boldbrush Online Painting Competition (April 2016) - 2nd Place for "Self Portrait in the Studio"
Portrait Society of America International Competition (2016) - Certificate of Excellence for "Self Portrait in the Studio"
Visual Arts Center of Punta Gorda National Exhibition (February 2016) - 2nd Place for "Self Portrait in the Studio"
Richeson75 "Figure/Portraits" Exhibition, Kimberly, WI (2015) - Best in Show for "Fledglings"
PleinAir Salon Competition (August/September 2015) - Best Figure in the Landscape for "Among the Hydrangeas"
"Women Painting Women: Texas" Group Exhibition, Georgetown Art Center, Georgetown, TX (2015)
Jerry's Artarama Annual Self Portrait Competition (2015) - Honorable Mention for "The Wait and the Reward"
Portrait Society of America International Competition (2015) - Certificate of Excellence for "Fledglings"
Oil Painters of America Online Showcase Competition (Summer 2014) - First Place for "Sharing Secrets"
Boldbrush Online Painting Competition (June 2014) - Third place for "The Wait and the Reward"
Hunting Art Prize (Spring 2012) - Finalist.Hunting Art Prize (Spring 2011) - Finalist.
International Artist Magazine's "Portraits and Figures" Competition (2010-2011) - Finalist.
Irving Art Association's 'Unconditional Love' Juried Show, Irving, TX (2009)- Best of Show.
