Artist Statement and Biography
Artist Statement:
I'm a Northern California artist based in Sacramento, painting atmospheric watercolor landscapes inspired by deep space and wild places untouched by modern living. I paint to feel connected to beautiful wild places. Most of my inspirations come from hiking in California's wilderness—I'm endlessly drawn to a wide-open vista, whether it's from a mountaintop or the edge of the ocean.
When I'm in the studio or painting outdoors, my process starts with a quick reference photo to settle the composition. From there, I draw the shapes I see onto white cotton paper. Laying watercolor over that bright white surface creates a glow almost like stained glass. I enhance that luminous, atmospheric feel by working wet-into-wet.
My watercolors have a bit of a fairytale moodiness—colorful, dreamy, soft, and peaceful—an invitation for viewers to step into the scene. They come from a deep love of ecology and spirituality: ecology for the way it reveals nature's intricate connections, and spirituality for how it deepens that sense of wonder. Together, they are a reminder that protecting wild places preserves not just the environment, but also our inner peace.
As a Signature Member of the California Watercolor Association, I'm committed to strong technique paired with a contemporary, distinctive style that celebrates California's wilderness.
Bio:
Allison loves nothing more than disappearing into the quiet poetry of the natural world.
Allison developed her painting skills at California State University, Sacramento, and several local community colleges before advancing her training under the guidance of nationally recognized watercolor masters. This intensive study shaped her distinctive artistic voice and led to her recognition as a Signature Member of the California Watercolor Association.
Her work has been showcased in regional, national, and international exhibitions, both in group settings and solo shows. She has been awarded residencies at Pond Farm in Guerneville and the O'Hanlon Center for the Arts in Mill Valley.
With a professional background as an environmental specialist, and National Parks docent, Allison brings a rich awareness of the natural world into her art. Her education in the natural sciences and passion for conservation have fueled a particular focus on the impacts of climate change, a theme that quietly informs much of her work. Allison is a certified California Naturalist through the University of California's California Naturalist Program.
Her personal life also reflects her love of nature. In the late 1990s, while hiking with the Sierra Club, Allison met her future husband, Brian. The two shared countless adventures before marrying atop Yosemite's iconic Half Dome. Today, Allison continues to find inspiration outdoors, painting en plein air or working from photographs captured along the Northern California coast and throughout the Sierra.
