"When I see the shimmer of a pointing dog flashing to a
point or the sparkle of a trout stream, my inspiration is
the scene's overwhelming presence. I do these paintings
because I have to, because some inner force urges me
to show you what I've seen and enjoyed. When you
and I meet somewhere inside my picture and share our
common experience, then our circle of communication
is complete. Well, at least for the moment, until the next
picture starts to focus in my mind."
– Abbett and his beloved English setter, Duke
