About Anna

Anna Almqvist was born on June 17, 1963. She lives with her husband in Luleå, Sweden.

Anna is mostly self taught and has done work in several techniques, such as oil, acrylic and ink.

In 1984, Anna married and went to art college the same year. After finishing art school, she started working as a graphics art designer and freelance illustrator. In 1988 and 1990, the couple´s sons were born. During their preschool years, Anna earned a teachers degree at the Luleå University of Technology.

While taking care of the boys and studying at the same time, the kitchen became her creative place and studio. She now started what would become a love affair with water color. She found that water color was a clean, easy put away technique, that left no toxic fumes nor nasty stains, perfect for hectic family life with small children around.

Her husband got an opportunity to work abroad for a couple of years and Anna could devote all of her free time to painting. The water color classes she took at Santa Barbara City College changed how she would use paint and brushes completely. Artist and water color teacher Cathy Quiel showed her the way; light and dark in contrast, vivid colors and layer upon layer of color would become Annas signum, together with a personal expression.

Anna is currently working part time as a graphics art designer and exhibition manager at the Swedish science center Teknikens Hus in Luleå. She loves her job and enjoys a good work out at the gym.
But painting is what makes her live.