ABSTRACT REALISM PAINTINGS

Welcome!

I’m so glad you’re here!

Whether you’re looking for artwork that speaks to you, eager to explore your creativity, or simply curious about my process,

I invite you to take a look around.

You can view my available paintings, learn about commissioning a custom piece, and discover opportunities to create with me in one of my classes. My blog is also a great place to learn more about my inspirations, techniques, and creative journey.

Art has the power to connect, inspire, and tell a story—

I’d love to share that experience with you.

Take your time, explore, and if something resonates, let’s connect!

LEARN

Two of my favorite things are meeting new people (you!) and making art. And when I’m working with beginning or advanced students, teaching what I’ve learned is a perfect combination of the two.

LEARN

ART COMMISSIONS

A commissioned work is a painting I create just for you – a memory of your pet or your child, or something that goes with your couch. Because it will be with you for a long time, the painting is my investment in you.

COMMISSION

PORTFOLIO

My art is constantly evolving as I learn and grow. It reflects my journey, exploring new techniques, ideas, and inspiration.

PORTFOLIO

About Annie

Annie, originally from Southern California, near Disneyland, has lived in Portland, OR, since she and her husband, Lad, moved there to raise their four wonderful children. She studied illustration and biomedical illustration in college and was also an athlete, coaching volleyball, basketball, and football with Lad for many years...

ABOUT ANNIE

Events

All of May: Haven Coffee Co, May 24: Eagles Nest Reserve Vineyard

June 19, 20, 21: Art Burst Studio: Reflect

I recently had the pleasure of painting a commission for a family of their two loveable lab dogs. The family was thrilled with the final piece, and capturing the personality and spirit of their cherished companions was such a joy. If you’re looking for a personalized piece of art, please visit the link in my bio or contact me at annie@anniesalness.com for more information—I’d love to bring your vision to life!

#anniesalnessart #commissionpainting #labrador #pdxartist #nwartist #acrylicpaintings

As we wrap up another year, I’m excited to share my Fruits and Vegetables 2025 recipe calendars!
Inspired by the abundance of produce at the farmers’ market, back-to-school lunch bags, and the festive holiday season, I’ve created a 2025 calendar that combines my love for painting and cooking.
Each month features one of my paintings paired with a complementary recipe—like an easy tomato spread or banana bread blondies.

You can choose between:
A wall calendar with plenty of space for notes and plans.
A mini calendar that’s perfect for desks or tight spaces.

I’ve included a few images of the paintings featured in the calendar so you can get a glimpse of what inside!

They make wonderful gifts for teachers, hosts, coworkers, or as a little treat for yourself.

There’s a link in my bio for you to order. I’d love for you to have one!

Thank you for being such a wonderful supporter of my art!

With gratitude,
Annie 😁

Here’s a great stocking stuffer for artists!

I love using squeeze bottles for my acrylic paints—they make pouring so much easier. But I used to struggle with the nozzles getting clogged all the time. That is, until I discovered Caulk Caps. These little lifesavers fit right into the nozzle and seal the top!
I’ve been using them for about two months now, and they’ve truly made a difference in my painting life!!! 😁

My Lunch Bag series! At Artburst Studios “Fancy That” show! @artburst.studios Nov 14-16.
Also these images are featured in my Fruits and Vegetables 2025 Calendars, with recipes!
Link in my bio.

At your way to the Pumpkin Patch, come by and see me at the Washington County Open Studios!

My most recent painting,”Pears”, inspired by Carol Marine’s artwork. Acrylic/Mixed-media, 14”x14”x2”, cradled panel.
This will be on display at my home studio during Washington County Open Studios, Oct 19th & 20th. (Come on by!!!)
Also featured in Artburst Studio Show, “Fancy That”, Nov 14-16!
Link bio. 😁

I'm having so much fun! Preparing activities for my guests for Washington County Open Studios! October 19th and 20th from 10 - 5. #washcoopenstudios

Here is my “Lunch Bag and Banana” painting for my 2025 Fruits and Vegetables Calendar along with a few process videos. Each painting has a recipe that corresponds with the painting. My “Lunch Bag and Banana” painting has a recipe for delicious Banana Bread Blondie!
The calendars will be available at my home studio during the Washington County Open Studios on October 19 and 20, from 10am - 5pm...
...or you can take advantage of this special offer:
You can PRE-ORDER the desktop calendar for $15 and the wall-sized calendar for $18 before the price increases on October 15.
AND, I am thrilled to be included at the Artburst Studios show “Fancy That” where the calendar paintings will be available, Nov 14-16.
#washcoopenstudios #artburststudios

Just painting! 👍😁
I'm getting ready for Washington County Open Studios on October 19 and 20 and the Artburst Studios Online Show, ��“Fancy That,” on November 14-16!!!
@washcoopenstudios @artburst.studios

I got to see the beautiful paintings by my artist friend, Don Gray at the lovely RiverSea Galley in Astoria!

Hello everyone! I’m excited to invite you to an evening where I will share my story after a life-altering stroke and how my artistic expression has evolved over time, from transitioning from biomedical illustration to stylized abstract landscapes, still lifes, and collage paintings. I’m eager to discuss and demonstrate the process behind my work. I hope that I will offer “valuable insights,” and there will also be interactive demonstrations. I hope to see you there!
Admission is free but PLEASE register to
Sharon Dunham at dunhamsw@frontier.com

July 16, 2024
6:30PM
The Opal
12691 NW Dogwood Street, Ptld, 97229
(across from the Cedar Mill Library)

Hello, everyone! I wanted to share some progress images from my paintings for the Fruits and Vegetables 2025 Calendar. I would really appreciate your ideas for a fruit or vegetable, along with a recipe to feature in the calendar. I’m considering carrots, limes, rhubarb, zucchini flowers, and mushrooms, but I would love to hear your suggestions too. Whether it’s a favorite dish, snack, or beverage highlighting a delicious fruit and/or vegetable, I need to include a total of 12 in the calendar. Feel free to message me with your ideas. Your input is greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

I recently had the pleasure of attending an artist talk by Scott Gellatly about his latest exhibition, "My Wetland," at the Laura Vincent Design & Gallery. It was my first time seeing Scott's artwork in person and visiting the gallery, and I was truly impressed by both! Scott and Laura were so nice! (This is just a partial sampling of his pieces.) The exhibition will be on display until July 27th.

I had a wonderful time meeting Derobah @deborah_harold_studio and Janet @bludauart at their beautiful studios in Newport Beach, CA and seeing their fantastic art in person. Thank you so much for taking the time to meet me!

A simple solution to my one-handedness! 😁
I took flat braced plates…
attached them to my cabinet…
to hold my art substrates in place…
to endure the sanding, scraping,
collage burnishing, etc!!! 👍

KitchenAid, ©Annie Salness, 16”x 16”x 1.5”, mixed-media, framed, available.
(This is part of my Kitchen Tools and Recipes series.
And Melissa used her KitchenAid. I’ve included some process photos.)

I always feel grateful when my children introduce me to their friends who end up becoming an enriching part of my life. One such friend is Melissa, who played sports with my daughter, Katherine, in college and now runs her own organizing business called Side by Side with Mel. (@sidebysidewithmel) I recently enlisted her help in organizing my artist studio, and the results were fantastic! I highly recommend her for all your organizing needs!

She shared with me her sister’s popular brownie recipe, which is a fan-favorite with both adults and children in her family.

“My children, niece, and nephew love these brownies! My sister introduced this recipe, and it’s a quick dessert to enjoy every once in a while.”
-Melissa Butler, www.sbysorganizing.com

BROWNIES

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and HOT
1 T cooking oil
1 1/8 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan
with cooking oil spray. Line with parchment paper; set aside.
Combine hot melted butter, oil, and sugar in a bowl. Whisk for about a minute.
Add the eggs and vanilla. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry
ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan,
smoothing the top out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes; check with toothpick.
Remove and allow to cool to room temperature before slicing.

To purchase my painting, visit the link in my bio.

I wanted to share a personal story about my fitness journey. Years ago, I had a stroke that left me with a paralyzed right hand. It made it difficult for me to perform exercises with weights that required gripping. I reached out to Joni Neilson, Ifbb Pro (an excellent trainer) for help with my training. She suggested using lifting hooks, which have been a lifesaver for me. I’m so grateful to Joni for introducing me to this helpful tool! Thank you, Joni!!!
Photo/video by @clairesalness

Dutch Oven, ©Annie Salness, 16”x 16”x 1.5”, mixed-media, framed, SOLD
This painting is part of my Kitchen Tools and Recipes series.

Just want to give a shoutout to our friend Chris Groves! He’s been our go-to contractor, helping us with home projects. It’s not easy living in a 70-year-old house, but Chris always has a smile on his face, and his reassuring and comforting presence makes everything better. Plus, did I mention he’s a phenomenal cook? I’m so grateful that he shared his mother’s minestrone recipe with me, and it will be a staple in our household. Thanks for all you do, Chris!

“A Christmas gift from my Mom, this Dutch Oven is something I fry in, bake bread, make soups, and much more. My Wife says this Minestrone recipe is her favorite food I make. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded of my Mom’s home cooking.”
-Chris Groves, Groves Construction

Here’s the recipe!

MINESTRONE

4 T olive oil
1.5 c onion diced
1/2 c celery sliced
1 c carrots peeled diced
2 zucchini quartered diced
4 tsp minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
2 14 oz can diced tomatoes
8-9 c vegetable broth
1/2 c tomato paste
1/2 c Yellowtail Red Shiraz Wine
4 tsp Italian seasoning
2 15 oz can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
2 15 oz can kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen cut green beans
1 1/2 cup small shell pasta
4 cups baby spinach leaves
4 T chopped parsley

Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini.
Cook 5 min, Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add tomatoes, vegetable broth, wine, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer. Add the cannellini beans, kidney beans, green beans, and pasta to the pot. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until pasta and vegetables are tender.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the spinach leaves until wilted. Sprinkle with parsley over the soup and serve. Enjoy!

I’m so grateful for the wonderful mix of people who joined my Holiday Ornament Class! From families to old college friends, to work colleagues, everyone showed up in their best holiday sweaters and festive head attire. We had so much fun making these beautiful ornaments while enjoying some yummy snacks and holiday music. If you want to be part of the fun next year, make sure to pencil it in and bring your own crew!

Just finished a portrait of Millie & Keela and my clients loved it! 😁There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing your clients happy with your work.
If you’re interested in commissioning a custom artwork, I’d be happy to discuss your ideas and turn them into a beautiful piece!
Check out the link in my bio for more information.

Texicana Soup, ©Annie Salness, 16”x 16”x 1.5”, mixed-media, framed, available.
This is part of my Kitchen Tools and Recipes series and 2024 Calendar.

It’s great to have friends you can reconnect with after a long time, and Joni is one of them! Owner of Juggle Source, her tagline is “Let me be a partner in your busy life!” Joni can assist you with accessing and vetting resources, appointment management, correspondence, event assistance, and SO much more! > Including Holiday To-Do! She is kind and supportive, and I used her services to prepare for last year’s Open Studios.
She shared her amazing Texicana Soup recipe, made with love, and I’ve enjoyed catching up with her ever since.

“This is a favorite comfort food in my house! These are all estimates; taste as you go, and it will all work out in the end!”
-Joni Thurber, www.jugglesourcellc.com

To order this painting or to check out my 2024 calendar (with the recipe!), use the link in my bio.

Chinese Chicken Salad ©Annie Salness, 16”x 16”x 1.5”, mixed-media, framed, SOLD
This painting is part of my Kitchen Tools and Recipe series and my 2024 calendar.

I absolutely love how painting introduces me to incredible people and artists, like Carrie Moore.
She’s a talented, creative, and delightful person who does pastel painting, leather designing, printmaking, and copper sculpting.
She hosts workshops for both herself and visiting artists in her charming barn that is simply bursting with character and inspiration.
She shared with me this delicious recipe:
“My favorite dish is called Chinese Chicken Salad. (With a close second being tuna casserole with rice, NOT noodles, which to this day makes many of my sisters “gag”.)
This salad is sweet, savory, fresh, crunchy, and full of protein. I highly recommend it!
-Carrie Moore, www.carriemoorestudios.com , @carriemoorestudios5

You can see her work at the Wild Arts Festival Nov. 18 - 19, 10am - 5pm each day, or you can stop by her charming barn during her Open Studio at the Studio on the Knoll on December 1-2 from 10am - 4pm each day.
Check out the link in my bio if you’re interested in my 2024 Kitchen Tools & Recipes Calendar.

Thank you to all of you who came to my open studios! @washcoopenstudios
Reconnecting with friends and making new ones is always a pleasure!
In case you didn’t make it, I will have my gallery open for the rest of the week so PLEASE reach out if you want to come by for a visit!
.

Magic Soup, ©Annie Salness, 16”x 16”x 1.5”, mixed-media, framed, available.
This is part of my Kitchen Tools & Recipes series and 2024 Calendar
Darcy, owner @whitebirchdesignco, introduced me to Joan. She is a wonderful mixed-media artist from Hillsboro, OR. Joan loved sharing this Magic Soup recipe and the ways it transforms from friend to friend, and no matter what, is always tasty!

“Several friends and I refer to this recipe as Magic Soup because we all make it differently than the original, depending on dietary and taste preferences, and it always comes out great!”
-Joan Callaway, www.joancallawaystudio.com

Joan and I will both be in this year’s Open Studios on October 21st and 22nd from 10 am to 5 pm (she is stop #13 and I am #28). You can come find my original painting or my 2024 calendar and say hi in person OR you can check out the link in my bio!

Consolation Prize, ©Annie Salness, 16”x 16”x 1.5”, mixed-media, framed, available.
This painting is part of my Kitchen Tools and Recipes 2024 Calendar.

I was fortunate to be introduced to Tyler by Darcy DeBord, the owner of White Birch Design Co. (@whitebirchdesignco)
Tyler is the co-owner of Insomnia Coffee, (Cedar Mill) which can be found just a few doors down from Darcy’s boutique (nothing like a little shopping and coffee to warm the heart!). He is an abstract artist and I was excited to invite Tyler and a few other artist friends over for an artist playdate, where we got to learn from one another’s work. Thoughtful, kind, and supremely happy, Tyler brought us some Insomnia coffee to fuel our conversation!

“One of our favorite drinks in our home is “the Consolation Prize,” a delicious mocktail that thrilled my wife’s heart when she was pregnant. This Mojito/Pina Colada combo-inspired drink helped her not feel left out during celebratory times! Ingredients include Pineapple, Coconut, Mint Leaves, Lime Juice, Honey, and Seltzer… of course, a splash of Dark Rum doesn’t hurt if appropriate. :)”
-Tyler Geel, www.tylergeel.com @tylergeel_abstract

If you’d like to purchase the original painting of this delicious mocktail or check out the calendar options (desktop or wall-sized!), you can use the link in my bio. If you’d like to visit me AND Tyler during Open Studios this October 21st and 22nd from 10 am to 5 pm, Tyler is #18 on the map, and I am #28– come say hi!

The best is yet to come!
Don’t worry…I’ll have my studio all cleaned for YOU to come visit!
FREE Washington County Open Studios, Oct. 21st and 22nd, 10am - 5pm. @washcoopenstudios
I’ll show you my latest work, my process and the latest techniques I’m using.
I hope you can come!

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ABSTRACT REALISM PAINTINGS

Welcome!

LEARN

ART COMMISSIONS

PORTFOLIO

About Annie

Events

FOLLOW ANNIE ON INSTAGRAM

Let’s Stay Connected!

ABSTRACT REALISM PAINTINGS

Welcome!

LEARN

ART COMMISSIONS

PORTFOLIO

About Annie

Events

​

FOLLOW ANNIE ON INSTAGRAM

Let’s Stay Connected!