Through the Eyes of a Painter

Words Codi Chen | Photos Baptiste Despois

Alyssa Dawn Galloway, a self-taught creative, has been deeply involved in fine arts since childhood. The initial years of her professional artistic journey were marked by experimentation and a guarded creative process; however, this venture has since blossomed into an infectious passion for the Earth and our environment. 

“I didn’t seek a formal education in art, scared that I might begin to doubt my talents and lose my joy of painting,” Alyssa explains. Her creative process is soulful and deeply personal. Initially, her work was introspective and experimental, reflecting an inner, somewhat mystical, realm. Over time though, her focus has shifted to drawing inspiration from the pureness of nature. 

An avid environmentalist, Alyssa paints from her heart, channeling the profound feelings she experiences in natural landscapes. Growing up in Texas, she discovered the beauty and vastness this state has to offer, and immersing herself in new topography quickly became an obsession. The desert in West Texas, in particular, holds a magical allure for Alyssa. She describes it as a living metaphor, where the intense quality of life is mirrored in the rugged, persevering landscape. “The dramatic changes in light throughout the day, from sunrise to twilight, absolutely captivate me,” she muses. 

Your Personal Landscape:  Do you have a meaningful location you want to commemorate forever? Alyssa Dawn commissions custom art and offers live painting for events, making your artistic dreams come to life right before your eyes. 

Although she never imagined being a landscape painter, the energy she derives from the environment keeps her focused on this subject. Alyssa explains that the land feels both familiar and foreign, reflecting a sense of unbroken continuity that contrasts human-imposed divisions. “If more people could experience these vast, beautiful spaces, I believe it would inform better decisions and language around environmental issues,” Alyssa explains. 

Learning about pollution, habitat loss, and deforestation stirs up an emotional response for Alyssa. While working at and visiting national parks around the U.S., she witnessed the transformative impact of nature on urban dwellers experiencing the wild for the first time. This connection to nature is why she paints landscapes devoid of human elements, aiming to inspire and remind viewers of the natural world’s resilient beauty.

Alyssa encourages aspiring artists to follow their inspiration, whatever the subject may be. She believes the world needs more art that inspires others. Alyssa emphasizes the importance of focusing on what makes the artist feel alive and honing their craft around that passion, regardless of formal education. She adds, “The Eastside of Austin is an incredible place for artists to be, with art on every corner and wonderful grassroots organizations that support our work.”