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 color, 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 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.

Museum Shows

2010 Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, MD

2004 Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum, WI

2005 Academy Art Museum, MD

Memberships and Gallery Representation

Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association, Founding Member

Oil Painters of America

Maryland Society of Portrait Painters, Artist Member

McBride Gallery,
Annapolis, MD

Berkley Gallery,
Warrenton, VA

The FAN Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

Egeli Gallery,
Provincetown, MA

Benfield Gallery,
Severna Park, MD

Gallery International, Baltimore, MD

Selected Exhibits
and Awards

2008 Cecil Co. Arts Council Annual, MD – Best of Show Award
2008 Paint Annapolis, MD
– Award of Excellence
2007 Solo Exhibit, McBride Gallery, Annapolis, MD
2007 Solo Exhibit, The Egeli Gallery, Provincetown, MA
2001-2005 Annually Solo Exhibits, Fan Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2002 Group Exhibit, MD Hall for the Creative Arts, “Shades of Winter”
2001 Annapolis Watercolor Club Annual – Best of Show Award
Various Years: Philadelphia & Boston US Art Show
Affordable Art Fair, NYC

Corporate Collections

Chesapeake City
Merrill Lynch
Turley Home Alliance