Artist Anna Anderson, originally from Hertfordshire, England, moved to Virginia Beach in 2024. In her home studio, she creates original paintings of Coastal Virginia in a vibrant, illustrative style. She specializes in coastal landmarks, watercolors, acrylic, and custom commissions. Her work can be seen in galleries, gift shops, stores, a visitor center, and Astraea Coffee. Her “Where’s Waldo” signature? Birds. Look for them sprinkled throughout her work. Here is Anderson’s artistic journey, in her own words:
“When my family and I arrived in Virginia Beach in 2024, we didn’t quite know what awaited us. As a military family relocating from the UK, we were used to packing up our lives and starting over. But nothing prepared us for how instantly we’d feel at home here, or how deeply the local landscape would shape my art.
“Being an artist is, thankfully, a portable calling. With just my paints, brushes, and canvas, I’ve found endless inspiration in the beauty and character of the Virginia coastline. From the majestic Neptune statue rising above the Oceanfront to the dreamlike swamps of First Landing State Park, and from the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse to the nostalgic glow of the Naro Cinema in Norfolk—this region has become both muse and home.
“My paintings have always been about storytelling and connection. I love using art to celebrate people and places that make a difference, whether it’s honoring our heroes through my painting of The Navy SEAL Monument (with a portion of every print supporting The Navy SEAL Museum) or spotlighting the charm of small independent businesses like Astrea Coffee, one of my favorite Virginia Beach coffee houses.
“The greatest reward has been seeing how locals connect with my work. These landmarks aren’t just subjects—they’re part of people’s lives, memories, and sense of place. To have that reflected back through my paintings is a privilege I don’t take lightly.
“One of my proudest moments so far has been having my painting of the Naro Cinema selected for the Where We Meet exhibition at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) last October.
“My original paintings can also be found at Beach Gallery in Virginia Beach, 2Beaches Studio on Shore Drive, and The Strawberry Patch Gift Shop in Pungo. Prints are available locally at Kitsch in Ghent, and the First Landing State Park Visitor Center, as well as online at AnnaAndersonArt.com.
“Virginia Beach has given my family a home and given me endless stories to tell through my art.”
If you would like to be considered for Coastal Creative Corner, email your story to Editor Butch Maier at bmaier@vistamediainc.com.
Butch Maier
