Central Coast artist Ann McMillan began oil painting seven years ago after studying drawing, science illustration and watercolor painting since childhood. After graduating from University of California, Santa Cruz as a biologist in 1997, Ann discovered her love for en plein air painting while working as a field researcher in the Sierra Nevada.
 
 Ann studies the interaction of light and color in the tradition of California Impressionism. Her recent work emphasizes the intensity and subtlety of sun and shadow. Training with Jove Wang and Barry Raybould has taught her to organize her painting around solid design and carefully mixed color. Ann always looks for strong and unusual compostions and color combinations. She tries to create art that reflects the vibrancy of nature and her love of close observation of the landscape.
 
 She most enjoys painting the Central Coast, the Sierra Nevada, Big Sur and the San Francisco Bay estuaries. Her work is exhibited at the William Lester Gallery, the Portola Valley Art Gallery, and the Epperson Gallery.