Anthony Rappa was born in Monterey, California. While attending the University of Southern California he became interested in painting. He studied locally with John Cunningham (founder of the Carmel Art Institute), Patricia Cunningham and Victor Di Gesu. Studying painting and drawing at the Art Students League in New York City, the School of Painting in Allende, Mexico, and the Goetz Studio in Paris further enhanced his formal art education. Rappa has been a member of the Carmel Art Association since 1969.