Abby Rarig

Abby Rarig is a Neptune, New Jersey–based artist creating portrait paintings inspired by the shore and embellished with intricate patterns. Her work explores moments of stillness, reflection, and the rhythms of life, inviting viewers to pause and consider the stories and relationships that shape them.

Abby began painting at the age of five and always had a natural inclination toward creativity. She pursued a BFA in Graphic Design at East Carolina University and worked in branding agencies, but soon realized she missed working with her hands. Rediscovering painting, Abby purchased a bungalow near the shore, where the ocean became a central muse. Its calm, mysterious, and powerful presence informs her work, guiding both subject matter and emotional depth. Over time, she transitioned from design to painting full-time, embracing the unpredictable yet rewarding journey of a professional artist.


Abby’s portraits combine figurative imagery with rhythmic patterns, reflecting the slow accumulation of habits, relationships, and life’s moments. Her art examines the patterns we inherit, keep, or release, encouraging contemplation of personal growth and the connections that shape us. The shore and ocean act as metaphors for reflection, transformation, and inner calm.


In a fast-paced, anxious world, Abby aims to create moments of stillness and reflection. She hopes viewers leave with a sense of gratitude, mindful awareness, and encouragement to intentionally shape their own patterns in life. Each painting is designed to foster personal connection and contemplation, merging beauty with meaning.


Though her work focuses on the ocean, Abby admits she is intimidated by being in the water, with a longstanding fear of sharks. Her attitude toward the ocean serves as a barometer of inner peace—when she is excited to jump in, she knows she is in a good place emotionally, and when fear arises, it signals areas that need attention.