If you have any questions or comments, please contact me. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Art options

Do you work on commissioned pieces?

Yes, I'd be honored to work on a commissioned piece. Portraits, landscapes, and still lifes are what I've had experience with as commissioned work. If this is something you're interested in, send me a note. We'll have a conversation and figure out the best process.

Abbey's Background

What has your journey been like on the non-traditional path of building your art career?

The journey is ongoing and it's been great so far! I attended UW Stout and majored in Graphic Design. After graduation, I worked for a few years in the publishing industry designing children's books in Mankato, MN. After that, I moved to Minneapolis in 2009 to pursue a career change. I've had various roles in marketing, web design, and now currently work as a Senior UX Designer. 

After college, I only painted occasionally. I was focused on growing a career rather than fine art. However, during that time, I did find some time to develop my artistic skills. At that time my specialty was in commissioned portraits, both people and dogs. Things evolved and I picked up painting again in 2012. This time around I was primarily focusing on still lifes. I wanted to "retrain the brain" in traditional oil painting techniques but couldn't bring myself to break away from pencils and charcoal. I've taken continuing education classes at Eden Prairie Art Center (painting and jewelry making), Atelier (drawing) in Minneapolis, and the Grand Marais Art Colony. 

Within the last couple of years, I've had the privilege of spending time outdoors and painting "en plain air". I have enjoyed the people I've met and it's a great way to enjoy the Minnesota seasons. 

How did you get started painting outdoors?

There's no real lightbulb moment here. I'm not one to just sit around relaxing. When was camping (glamping actually) last summer, I needed an activity to keep me busy. I spend a good portion of my days behind a computer, which isn't really a camping appropriate activity. Painting is a good way to do something else and use my eyes outdoors.

I have a strong appreciation for how nature is ever changing and really enjoy the challenge of trying to accurately capture that. Painting outdoors has helped me further discover the Twin Cities area and other rural locations. It's been awesome exploring Minneapolis and making new friends.

How can I keep up with your new work?

I post on Instagram quite a bit. You can find me at @artbyabbeyfitzgerald Often, I post images on location and you can see paintings as they progress.

You can also subscribe to my newsletter. They are very infrequent but include information about new work.