Anna Althea Hills was an American plein air painter known for her impressionistic landscapes of Southern California. Born in Ravenna, Ohio on January 28, 1882, Hills was raised in an environment that fostered her artistic talents. Her father was an artist and her mother supported her creative endeavors. She began her formal art education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and further honed her skills at the Cooper Union in New York City.
After completing her studies in the east, Hills ventured to Europe to expand her artistic horizons. She studied at the Académie Julian in Paris, which was one of the premier art institutions in Europe at the time, and also took lessons from various other prominent artists during her European sojourn.
Upon returning to the United States, Hills settled in California in 1913, where she quickly became an integral part of the local art scene. She was particularly drawn to the landscape of Laguna Beach and became one of its early artistic pioneers. Hills was known for her ability to capture the unique light and color of the California coast, and her work contributed to the recognition of Laguna Beach as a major center for American impressionism.
Beyond her painting, Hills was deeply involved in the arts community. She was a founding member and served as the president of the Laguna Beach Art Association, playing a critical role in establishing the Laguna Beach Art Museum, which is considered one of the first art museums in California.
Anna Hills never married, dedicating her life to her art and community. She was known not only for her artistic talent but also for her philanthropy and efforts to promote art and culture in Southern California. Her legacy includes scholarships for young artists and the promotion of art education.
Hills' health began to decline in the late 1920s, and she passed away on June 13, 1930, in Laguna Beach. Her artwork continues to be appreciated and can be found in various institutions and collections throughout the United States. Anna Althea Hills is remembered as a pioneering female artist and a visionary community leader who left a lasting imprint on the California art world.
