Abigail McBride

Driven by color and light, Abigail Faye McBride paints her plein air landscapes with the heart of a poet. The primary focus of her work is simple: to create a beautiful painting. She is in pursuit of the visual poetry found in a fleeting light effect and the curve of cheek. From the sun splashed outdoors to rich interiors her interests are broad in scope. Inspired by what she sees, Abigail paints on location.

While a consummate Cape School colorist, the draftsmanship in her work is born of an academic interest in the portrait and figure. Her work blends traditional subject matter with modern design sensibilities. Abigail’s focus is observed color as it turns the form and the shifting effects of light orchestrated within a clear design idea.

She paints landscape, figure and still life working interchangeably with brush and palette knife. Collectors, nationally and internationally, appreciate the mood and elegance of her work.

Abigail grew up surrounded by art and artists. Her mother owns two successful fine art galleries in Maryland.
Her first art lesson at age 7 was given by her grandmother, Minnesota watercolorist, Frances Karlsson while on a visit to her grandparents farm. McBride says it is still memorable as the impetus to continue to draw and paint.


McBride has developed a reputation as a dynamic teacher. She teaches selected painting workshops, college level classes and private lessons. She is passing on painting principles acquired from years of study with portrait painters Cedric and Joanette Egeli, figure sculptor Stephen Perkins and Cape Cod School Impressionist John Ebersberger.

Following graduation from Westmont College, Abigail’s work was almost immediately acknowledged by American Artist Magazine in a 2000 article about palette knife painting and again in a major 8 page article in 2008 about her approach to painting. This early national recognition helped launch Abigail into gallery representation. She now shows her work in private shows, fine art galleries, and museum exhibitions.