Robert Lyn Nelson is widely regarded as the originator of the Modern Marine Art Movement, characterized by his ‘Two Worlds’ style of painting, which simultaneously depicts life above and below the surface of the sea. An ardent diver and committed conservationist, he has used his talents to educate the public about the importance of the marine environment.

Robert has secured his place among such giants as illustrator John James Audubon and photographer Ansel Adams as an historically significant visual archivist of his country’s natural treasures. Recognition has come from, among others, members of the U.S. House and Senate, Governors, Cabinet Members, and the Vice-President of the United States, who named him among the nation’s first "Environmental Heroes" in 1997.

His masterpiece "From Sea to Shining Sea" was chosen as Official Painting for the U.S. Pavilion at the 1998 World Expo in Lisbon, Portugal. Throughout most of 2002, "From Sea to Shining Sea" was displayed at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History as part of an exhibition in support of the National Marine Sanctuary System.

| NMSF Home |