Born in 1940, in West Bengal of mixed Bengali and American parentage, Anjolie Ela Menon was a student of Lawrence School, Lovedale, and by the time she left school at the age of fifteen she had already sold several paintings. After this, she pursued her studies at the Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai, and then went on to obtain a degree in English literature from Delhi University. During this phase, she was influenced by the works of artists like Modigliani and Indian painters like Amrita Shergil and M.F. Husain. At the age of eighteen Menon showcased her works in much acclaimed solo exhibitions in Delhi and Mumbai.

The artist works and lives in New Delhi.