Pedro Galarza (Guadalajara, Jalisco, 1882 – 1972) showed an interest in drawing from a young age, but as a teenager, he joined the ranks of the Mexican Revolution, first as a common soldier and later as a trusted officer of General Gonzalo Gasca, to whom he likely owed his admission to the former Academia de San Carlos (San Carlos Academy of Fine Arts).  At this institution, he was a student of Mateo Herrera, José María Ibarrarán y Ponce, and Juan de Mata Pacheco. 

His artistic career was interrupted when he was called back into service to control the uprising led by Adolfo de la Huerta. Once the rebellion was quelled, Galarza focused entirely on his painting, primarily landscapes, through which he sought to capture nature as it “impressed” him. For this reason, his canvases are considered part of the Impressionist school. He also created scenes of architecture, as well as developed portraiture through his work. He spent his final years in poverty until his death in 1972.