Allison Swan

Allison Swan is inspired by the beauty in nature and paints in an Expressive style in oil. At Virginia Tech, Allison focused on design and merchandising but came home to run her mother’s small gallery after a mystery illness made it difficult to retain new information.

In 2005, Allison had the overwhelming feeling of “I can do that” at every art show. She picked up a brush, bought dozens of books, and began painting and is predominantly self-taught. In 2008, Allison was accepted in her first juried show.

Allison battled Lyme disease since her initial infection in college, and by 2010, she lost the ability to paint. She had dementia and could not mix colors, draw, or plan a painting. After treating Lyme for five years, Allison again picked up a brush. She had to learn to paint again. She continues her self-directed study in workshops and classes across the country.

In 2018, Allison committed to becoming a full-time professional artist. In January of 2022, Allison founded the Tidewater Art Club and opened The Studio to host resident artists and teach weekly classes.

Allison’s work is infused with a love of the Virginia Tidewater and the Eastern Shore where sandy beaches of the Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay, creeks, rivers, forests, marshes, and mudflats that were the playground of her youth are now her peace and the restoration of her life today. Allison paints en plein air wherever she travels.

“My art reflects my feeling that even when you are given challenges in life, there is always beauty and joy surrounding you. I feel the colors of the sky, the reflections on the water, and the light and shadows. My hope is to faithfully bring the awe of that moment to my paintings. If you have a challenge or something taken away, there is always a gift or talent to replace it.”