Abby Dickinson is a portrait and figurative artist based in Calgary whose work focuses on expressive faces and the psychology of faces. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, she studied painting and earned her BFA from NSCAD University in Halifax before eventually making Calgary home.
I’ve always thought portrait painting makes perfect sense for Abby. She’s definitely not the loudest person in the room and has always been a bit of a people-watcher. She notices things most people miss and has a quiet curiosity about people. Painting feels like a natural extension of that way of observing the world.
Her work is recognizable for its bold, emotional expressions and close attention to personality. But what stands out most is that she isn’t interested in making people look perfect. Instead, she paints the parts that feel real, relatable, and often like they’re telling a bigger story.
Her paintings feel thoughtful, observant, and deeply human, which feels very fitting for Abby.
-Written by Chris
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Which ’hood are you in?
Renfrew, specifically the historic Regal Terrace area. I spend a lot of my free time in Bridgeland and Inglewood. Originally from a small town in Nova Scotia, I’m drawn to neighbourhoods that have a small-town character and historic feel. I get around by bike whenever possible, so being close to the inner city and connected to Calgary’s bike path network is important to me.
What do you do?
I’m a portrait artist and also work in marketing design.
What are you currently working on?
My current practice includes an ongoing collection of oil portraits featuring expressive faces. I’m especially drawn to faces with character and animated expressions, which create opportunities for viewers to recognize pieces of themselves and build their own narratives within the work. Themes that continue to appear in my work include vulnerability, emotion, natural aging, wrinkles, humour, awkwardness, honesty, fleeting moments, and the subtle expressions people make when they’re unaware they’re being observed.
These works are typically in smaller, more intimate formats (14” × 14”). When displayed together, the works begin to interact with one another, almost as if they’re gesturing or holding conversations.
I’m also developing a series of larger-scale paintings focused on figures in motion, capturing activities such as biking, skiing, and dancing.
I accept a limited number of portrait commissions each year that align with my current practice.
Where can we find your work?
Instagram. Home Studio visits available by appointment.
Participating in the ArtSpot Under $200 Art Show this October
