Anna Parkinson was born in London, England before the Second World War, soon afterwards her family transferred to East Africa, which in the beginning was rather similar to the times reflected in Karen Blixens' film "Out of Africa", passing through the Mau Mau period up to Independence in the early 60's and was convinced that her life would continue there. However, circumstances due to "the winds of change" obliged her to transfer to Italy with her late husband in 1969 where she worked in the Maritime field for 23 years, she has also spent 2 years in Florida where she gathered further inspiration from the vast richness and exotic scenery, she is now retired in Rapallo, Italy. Whilst working in Italy her talent for oil painting was discovered and was encouraged to develop her leanings on certain subjects, particularly the African animals and was at first invited to share an exhibition with other artists which in turn led to personal exhibitions thereafter.

Her first exhibition was dedicated to Africa and her memories of the many year spent there, reflecting the brilliant sunsets, dawns and revealing animals in their natural surroundings, in succeeding exhibitions she demonstrated the more European side of her and, in particular, to the fine details of the lovely tall sailing ships and galleons of times gone by and the sea in it many moods, reflecting also her families marine traditions. It was only later that she dared to present nature studies, as was discouraged to present that side due to "too many artists do it", but changed her mind after receiving acclaim for flowers and exotic birds in one particular exhibition.

She has participated in many contests, particularly the "European Community" competition and has won prizes and honours. She is quoted in several Italian catalogues including the most prestigious "Bolaffi" in 1996/7 and had a seascape painting appearing on the cover of well known journalists book, with other tall ship paintings inside the book, which as a result led her to holding an exhibition with her friend Mari Vardanega at Villa Durazzo, a place most artists dream to "arrive at".

PERSONAL EXHIBITIONS HELD

1994 - Joint Exhibition at Rapallo.
1995 - 2 Exhibitions at Rapallo, 2 at Lavagna, Chiavari, Pietra Ligure.
1996 - at Rapallo, Brescia, Piacenza, Pietra Ligure.
1997 - at Villa Durazzo, Santa Margherita (near Portofino), Asolo (near Venice).
1998/9 - Asolo, Rapallo.
2000 - Galleria Modigliani, Milan where she has had a permanent exhibition.
2001 - La Galleria, Rapallo - November/December - permanent Milan.
2002 - August - Clarissa Theatre, Rapallo "La Mia Africa".
2002- London, Bristol, Bedfordshire, Inghilterra, Milan, Rome, Turin, Genoa, Rapallo.
2003 - London, Rapallo, Bristol & Port Lympne, Genoa.
2004 - Zoagli, Bristol, Port Lympne.

She is a member and Italian representative of the Wildlife Art Society International, England, Royal Society of Marine Artists, London, the Association of British Artists, London, Associazione Italiana per L'arte Naturalistica, Rome and London and Academia Italiana "Gli Etruschi" Livorno.

TRANSLATION OF CRITIC BY ITALO DESFAMONTE DI VISETO

"Marvelous colours, splendid shadows, sentiment in the scenery. The animals are so naturally expressed in their native surroundings. The flowers are expressed very gracefully, rare in a contemporary painter. The marine paintings are exceptional".