American born Walter Nettleton spent his early youth in Germany, where his father, a manufacturer, had business interests. The family then returned to Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Nettleton worked in a Bridgeport factory for one year before he entered Yale University, graduating in 1883. It was during his extended European tour that Nettleton decided to become a painter. He entered the Academie Julian in Paris, studying with Gustave Boulanger and Jules Joseph Lefevbre until 1889. Additionally he worked with Charles Carolus-Duran before his return. In New York, Nettleton enrolled at the Art Students League.
A frequent contributor to the Paris Salon, Nettleton began exhibiting there in the spring of 1889 and was awarded in 1892. Althoug his primary residence was in New England, Nettleton was often in France. He was know for his now covered winter scenes of New England, as well as his Breton subjects.
Nettleton won a silver medal at the Saint Louis Expostiion in 1904 as well as a bronze medal at the Buenos Aires Exposition of 1910.