Diane Nelles is a Canadian artist living and working in Petrolia, Ontario (see maps at left). She was born and raised in Nakina, a small town several hours northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Art was always a passion, beginning in early childhood and throughout high school. In 2003, after an almost thirty year hiatus, Diane reacquainted herself with art through watercolour.

Diane is a mostly self taught artist who has studied with Canadian artists such as Anthony Batten, Jack Reid and Linda Kemp, all members of the Canadian Society of Watercolour Artists. Local artist Floyd Gibson, a fellow painter, friend and mentor, was also instrumental in her early art instruction.

She is an active artist in the Sarnia Lambton area, participating in several local exhibitions, solo shows and juried exhibitions. Diane worked for three years as a visual artist/educator with "Learning through the Arts." This program, run by the Royal Conservatory of Music, incorporates drama, music, dance and visual arts to help teach the curriculum to elementary school students.

For four years she was the Advertising Chairperson for "Sarnia Artists' Workshop" (SAW). She currently is a member of the "6 plus 1 Art Group", SAW, as well as the Lawrence House Center for the Arts, and is an associate member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour (CSPWC).