Dixie Galapon is a professional oil painter whose work reflects the vibrancy of colors around her. Born in Los Angeles, California, her journey as an artist began long before she received formal instruction as a painter.

The first time that Dixie Galapon picked up a tube of oil paints was by accident. At the age of 14, in her childhood home, she had discovered a box of oil paints which was left by the previous owner of the home. She used those same oil paints to work on a creative art assignment given by a high school teacher. That art project resulted in a small oil painting inspired by the bayou scenes from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride at Disneyland. Little did she know that this oil painting was only the beginning of a lifetime expedition as an artist…

As time progressed, Galapon had forgotten about the oil paints she had discovered at 14. She proceeded to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in psychology (with a Minor in Fine Arts) in 1991 from the University of California at Irvine.  She ultimately obtained a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology in 1997. Yet in spite of her energy focused towards a professional career in psychology, her yearning to maintain her creative spirit still endured. Such evidence was reflected in her work with various media including pastel drawings, ceramics and collage.

As time went by, Galapon focused more on acrylic paint, which became a medium that stayed with her for many years. Those same acrylic paintings, with their bold, impressionistic style, eventually found their way into several cafes in San Diego. Her first solo art exhibit was at the Living Room Café near San Diego State University in 1994. What was most impressive at this time was that her talents as a painter had primarily been self-taught up until this time. But eventually, that was all about to change…

In 1998, Galapon met someone who had a significant impact on her life and work as a painter. She met Concetta K. Antico, owner of The Salon of Art in Mission Hills. She apprenticed under Ms. Antico, which brought on her transformation from an acrylic painter to a successful oil painter. Galapon attributes much of her current ability and success as a professional oil painter to Ms. Antico. Galapon's style largely mimics the fearless color and brushstroke techniques as evidenced by Matisse and Van Gogh.

A seasoned world traveler, having visited approximately 30 countries around the globe, and being of Filipina American descent, Galapon enjoys depicting landscapes and ethnic themes as inspired by her travels and cultural experiences. More recently, Galapon has focused on subjects such as international café scenes, cityscapes, and beach locales - while also experimenting with more alla prima and plein air works.

Some of her key achievements include having one of her paintings published on the cover of Going Home to a Landscape, a Filipina Women’s Anthology published in October 2003. She was also selected to participate in a juried show for the Nordstrom Asian Pacific Islander exhibit in May 2007 where two of her pieces were chosen to be exhibited at select Nordstrom locations nationwide.

Today, Galapon devotes her time equally between her work as a behavioral healthcare professional, and her work as an accomplished artist - in addition to spending leisurely time with her husband. She still continues to paint prolifically, and displays and sells her work all over San Diego, and nationwide.