​Anita India Arnold is an oil painter originally from Texas, whose work explores the emotional and symbolic power of objects, colors, and figures. Rather than focusing on literal representation, Arnold uses classical techniques to convey abstract ideas and evoke deeper emotional responses. Her work is inspired by historical events as well as classical mythology. The artist's interest in symbolism began in childhood, inspired by her father’s Freemason ring and was further nurtured by the countless art history books she discovered through her grandmother, a local librarian.

 

​Arnold works in the oil painting tradition, beginning with a grisaille underpainting to establish form and value, followed by thin, transparent glazes that build rich, luminous color. This method allows her to achieve a sense of depth and complexity that mirrors the layered meanings within her work. She refined her technique while living in Florence, Italy for 8 years, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Art Conservation from the Lorenzo de’ Medici School through Marist College New York. Arnold invites viewers to engage with the symbolic and emotional narratives that lie beneath the surface.