My name is Alison Walters, and my work explores the ecology, color, and complexity of life in the Rio Grande Valley. As an RGV native, I am interested in challenging the misconceptions that this region is visually and ecologically barren. Through painting and drawing, I aim to highlight the biodiversity that keeps the area alive, such as plants, animals, insects, birds, and marine life which can often be overlooked or taken for granted despite their being essential to the ecosystem’s balance. By enlarging my subjects and creating visual appeal using texture and color, my work becomes both documentation and celebration of the region’s biota.
Growing up in the Valley, I witnessed how quickly landscapes can shift due to development, climate, and human intervention. This awareness gave me a new appreciation for our environment, and I hope to inspire that within others. I primarily work in oil paint, graphite, and colored pencils. Through my process, I tend to build surfaces gradually allowing texture to accumulate through repeated marks and layers. I often incorporate bold colors, contrast, and metallics into my pieces to add dimension and visual interest. Rather than striving for perfection or naturalism, I aim to amplify the vibrancy that I feel when observing our beautiful region.
Ultimately, my work is about allowing viewers to slow down and appreciate parts of our world that are often taken for granted or ignored. By highlighting the flora and fauna of the Rio Grande Valley, I hope to foster a deeper appreciation for our environment and to honor the landscape and ecosystem that shaped our beloved area.
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