Anderson's goals are to write and publish books about painting, to be among the most successful watercolorists in the country, and to see his greatest accomplishments in the successes of his students.

Subject matter varies. Anderson believes that the subject is irrelevant; the painting is what lasts forever. Considering himself an impressionistic realist, he likes to fool the eye with lack of details.

Arni was born in Huntsville, Alabama January 1, 1944. He graduated from Thornton Fractional North Township High School in Calumet City, Illinois in 1962. He attended Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee, and he earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Education degree from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas.

Arni is married to Nina, and they have three children. Robin is married to Matt Gayle, and they have two sons, Easton and Mason. Renee is their second daughter, and their son, John, is married to Jessica and they have one son named Colton. Arni taught in the Art department at Harding University before coming to Oklahoma Christian University in l976 to be head of the Art department. After leaving Oklahoma Christian, Arni was an Artist-in-Residence for the state of Oklahoma for four years. He taught Art at Will Rogers Elementary in Putnam City for five years, after which he returned to the Artist-in-Residence program for another three years. He has been teaching K-8 Art at Oakdale School in Edmond for the past twelve years.