From Broadcast to Brushstrokes
Exploring light, shadow, and everyday beauty with EDH-based artist Robert N. Anderson
Robert N. Anderson’s journey as an artist has been anything but traditional. After a four-decade career in television, including a position as general manager of a San Francisco TV station, he found his way back to his first love: painting. “Since returning to painting in 2018,” he shares, “I brought with me a deeper sense of patience, purpose, and perception.”
Anderson’s passion for art began early. He experimented with acrylics throughout high school before initially majoring in art at the University of Nebraska. Although his path shifted toward broadcast journalism, his creative instincts continued to evolve behind the camera, where he developed a deep appreciation for light, shadow, and visual storytelling. “Viewers often comment on the clarity of my light source,” he notes. “That’s central to everything I paint. It’s how I create depth, atmosphere, and connection.”
Much of Anderson’s inspiration comes from his own photographs and the quiet beauty of daily life. He often notices color harmonies or compositional opportunities in ordinary scenes that others might overlook. His sensitivity to how light moves across form allows him to transform simple moments into striking visual narratives.
Beyond the studio, Anderson plays a vital role in the local arts community. As treasurer of the El Dorado Hills Arts Association and co-chair of the El Dorado Hills Fine Art Festival held every October—which he helped establish in 2023—he’s passionate about creating platforms for artists to share their work and connect with the community. His paintings have been featured in local galleries, and he has received several awards for his work.
“My goal isn’t to convey a specific message or commentary,” Anderson says, “but rather to evoke a feeling—warmth, curiosity, calm, or joy. I want my paintings to invite viewers in, to make them pause and linger, to engage with the technique, brushwork, and color choices. If someone stops to really look, then I know I’ve succeeded in capturing their attention.”
Explore and purchase works from his collections at robertnandersonart.com
“Spring Thaw” is from his newest series of three paintings inspired by a January hike along the West Fork River north of Sedona, AZ. On that hike, he crossed the river 17 times—often on frozen ice—and discovered a beautiful scene at every turn!
"I want my paintings to invite viewers in, to make them pause and linger."