Biography
Abby Olsen uses repetition and subtle symbolism in surreal compositions rooted in folk imagery and the natural world to depict naturalist motifs.
She uses mixed media including oil pastel, acrylic paint, ink, and watercolor to create dreamlike scenes of horses, lake wildlife, and fauna. Her work is for people who feel a deep inner connection to the natural world that is bigger than our day to day modern life.
Currently based in Austin, Texas, her work has taken on visual themes of the American Southwest like endless stretches of land and horses.
She graduated from the University of Michigan’s Stamps School of Art & Design with a bachelor’s of fine arts. While studying there, she focused on textile design, traditional oil painting, and mastering drawing.
Her illustrative work and pattern designs for Bond & Grace publishing are featured in the Secret Garden Art Novel, the Alice in Wonderland Art Novel which won a 2025 Merit Honor award from the Art Director’s Club in New York City, and the Frankenstein Art Novel which won the 2024 Independent Publisher Book Award for Outstanding Design.
About Me
I have a deep and longstanding relationship with nature, including animals ranging from horses to deer to damselflies to minnows. In my artistic practice, I am always searching for how to express the wonder and closeness that I have felt with nature since I was a child.
My tendency toward experimentation and chagrin for monotony makes my body of work, much like nature, ever changing and diverse. Though eclectic, my art shows mastery of several traditional artistic disciplines; among them are gouache and oil painting, drawing, and color theory.
Since graduating from the University of Michigan Stamps School of Art & Design, I have been able to illustrate and design bespoke patterns for three Art Novels with Bond & Grace, a women owned publishing company.
In addition to illustrating, I have worked as an interior designer and a private studio art teacher.
Background
I grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan, always outside in our overgrown backyard climbing our mulberry tree or at the beach swimming. The bigger the waves the better.
While away at U of M, in addition to art school I pursued my love of music extracurricularly- I was in the marching band as a piccolo player, & sang in and music directed an a cappella group.
These days, my down time consists of hanging out with my beloved cat Bailey, dog Gemma and partner Joey, thrifting, and singing.