Art HAPPENINGS - April 2025

Pet portraits, local landscapes are both a focus for this Moab artist.

When Abbey McCasland heads out to the backcountry—whether on a backpacking trip, or a hike—a set of acrylic markers and a sketch pad are among the supplies she brings with her.

“I enjoy using the markers because I love being outdoors; and they’re so transportable,” McCasland said.

The Moab artist is inspired by southeast Utah’s landscapes, of which she creates her own interpretations—some realistic, while other works are comprised of “pop art” colors like hot pink, purple, and bright greens. During the COVID pandemic she began adding pet portraits to her repertoire.

“I was doing a lot of portraits of my dog, and soon friends were asking me to paint their pets,” McCasland said.

Originally from Nashville, McCasland, 26, has drawn and painted her entire life (She also uses acrylic paints). Her animal portraits—which also includes cats, horses and chickens—led to a 20-by-30-inch commissioned piece that was gifted to the Wild Wonder Wildlife Refuge in San Diego.

McCasland is one of many local artists who sell their artwork at Moab Made, 82 N. Main St. Owner Rebecca McAllister encourages Moab-area artists to make a living from their artwork by creating affordable prints, postcards and stickers from their original works – items that are easily purchased by both local residents and tourists alike.

Two of McCasland’s paintings, titled “King Cups” and “Evening Primrose” have been accepted into the Moab Arts and Recreation Center’s community art show, April 2-30. Both pieces will be for sale.

McCasland’s landscape and floral reproductions are also for sale at Moonflower Community Cooperative, and at Moab Coffee Roasters.

McCasland will additionally be selling her artwork at the Moab Arts Festival held Memorial Day weekend, where, as always, a portrait of her pit-lab mix named Springer will be on display.

People who stop by the booth can observe McCasland at work painting – making art during market events is a great conversation starter, she said.

McCasland is also training to be an ultrarunner. She ran her first marathon on her 26th birthday last year, her first 50K at the Arches Ultra in January, and in May will be running a 50-mile race in Bend, Oregon. She said it’s all part of her love for the outdoors and nature, which is reflected in her artwork.

View McCasland’s original works via her Instagram site: www.instagram.com/absterartz/, and also at her web site: www.absterartz.com. Abster is a nickname given to her by an aunt, that she now uses as her business name.