Biography
Abby Olsen explores repetition and subtle symbolism through surreal compositions rooted in folk imagery and the natural world. She uses mixed media including oil pastel, acrylic paint, ink, and watercolor to creates dreamlike scenes of horses, water life, and mirrored flora and fauna that balance structure and atmosphere. She expresses the soul connection she has with horses and all other animals through her artwork, as she has since she was a child. Currently based in Austin, Texas, her work has taken on visual themes of the American Southwest which can be seen in her most recent works.
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.