Robert Lyn Nelson (born 1955) is an American artist known for his paintings of marine wildlife, particularly those in his "Two Worlds" style, which simultaneously shows life above and below the surface of the sea.

When he was 15, his ninth grade history teacher, David Radcliff, recognizing Nelson's talent, gave him a permanent library pass and allowed him to do independent study.

[5] According to Nelson, the turning point in his life and his career occurred when he encountered a pod of whales while surfing off Lahaina, Hawaii.

He spent a great deal of time surfing, kayaking and scuba diving in Maui, while continuing to paint and study the landscape of the Hawaiian Islands.

[1] From March to October 2001, the work was displayed at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in a solo exhibition along with several of his other paintings.

"[11] "So exciting was the concept in both perspective and personal style, that imitators quickly arose", says gallery owner Jim Killett.

"Nelson perfected the two worlds concept, made it popular, and in the course, spawned dozens of mimics including a few who are generally interested in bringing something good to the genre.