Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Galloway.
Alyssa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a child of the Texas Hill Country, and in many ways, that landscape shaped who I am and how I move through the world as an artist. I’ve always been drawn to the natural world — not just its beauty, but also the sense of mystery, presence, and memory it holds. Growing up surrounded by big skies, old-growth live oaks, limestone, and wild grasses, I found early on that painting was a way for me to process my connection to place.
Over the years, my practice has become increasingly rooted in environmental and human rights concerns. I see the ecological crisis as deeply intertwined with issues of access and displacement — who gets to belong, and where. That connection has only deepened my commitment to creating art that reflects both a love for the land and a longing for a more just and harmonious world.
Today, I work primarily with acrylic paint out of my studio in Austin, Texas. My recent work is inspired by the Chihuahuan Desert — a place that continues to teach me about resilience, fragility, and the quiet power of wild spaces. Through my paintings, I try to honor the light, texture, and spirit of the natural world, while also holding space for the urgent questions we face in protecting it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a fairly intuitive process that’s led me to painting. I’ve always followed inspiration as my north star, and that ongoing creative inquiry has gradually unfolded into the stylistic expression and subject matter I’m exploring today. I didn’t set out to be a landscape-specific painter, the land just kept calling me back. There’s something in that relationship with place that continues to feel rich and unresolved, so I’ll keep following it until the transmission feels complete.
That said, it hasn’t always been simple. Like many artists, I’ve supported this path by working in the service industry on and off, balancing freelance work, creative exploration, and trying to maintain some kind of work-life rhythm. That balancing act has been its own education — a constant learning in how to make space for what matters most while navigating the practicalities of building a life devoted to creative living.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is grounded in a deep relationship with land, specifically the landscapes of the Chihuahuan Desert, and what they can teach us about beauty, belonging, and the human spirit. I don’t approach painting with the goal of standing out or being known for something in particular. In fact, I try to resist the pressure to distinguish myself in competitive or performative ways. For me, creating is about slowing down, listening closely, and allowing space for reflection, both for myself and hopefully for those who encounter the work.
I think of my paintings as visual meditations on spaciousness, longing, and interconnectedness. They’re not meant to add to the noise of the world, but to quietly subvert it. With an aim to offer a moment of pause, and perhaps a gentle reminder of what’s sacred and essential. If there’s something I’m proud of, it’s that I’ve remained committed to that practice: to making work that bears witness to the land and invites others into a more intimate and reverent relationship with it.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Climbing big live oak trees and hopping around on river rocks throughout the hill country!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alyssadawnart.com
- Instagram: @alyssadawnarts
Image Credits
All portraits and studio images courtesy of Gaby Deimeke
