Rebecca Deneau, fine artist standing in brightly lit home studio

Growing up in the Chicago area, I was surrounded by an abundance of culture and art.

This is where my love for art began to form and grow. I still enjoy regular trips back to spend time with family and visit galleries and museums. My husband and I decided to settle in Traverse City, MI (his hometown) nearly 20 years ago.

I love the slower pace, the people, and the beautiful landscape of Northern Michigan. My husband and I have three nature-loving boys and a pup named Penny. We try to live a quiet and slower life, value time together and get outside as much as possible to enjoy our area.  Both my native roots in Chicago and the open lands of Michigan deeply inspire my work.

As seen in…

Traverse Northern Michigan Magazine feature
Michigan's Creative Coast feature
The Boardman Review Magazine Feature
Michigan Blue Magazine Feature
Close up of woman holding paintbrush to oil paint

I took my very first oil painting class when I was just 14 at a local art league in the Chicago area. I fell in love with the medium and continued to learn from other established artists and throughout college and have been painting ever since.

While I tried many other mediums throughout the years, I kept coming back to oils. I just loved the versatility, history, and beauty of oil paints.

It was a hobby that I continued throughout my 20’s and 30’s and that I enjoyed so much I decided to build a career out of it.

Now in my 40’s, I am enjoying a career as a fine artist and loving every minute of it. I paint out of my home studio with my pup, Penny nearby. When I am not painting, you can find me in the woods or on the lakeshore, exploring with my family.

Recent Press and Shows

  • Article in Traverse Magazine, March 2022

  • Featured in The Creative Coast Guide: A Guide to Great Creatives of the Grand Traverse Region

  • Featured in The Boardman Review, a local art and lifestyle journal

  • Spring show at Tinker Studio in Traverse City, MI- May, 2019

  • Featured artist at Bonobo Winery, Traverse City, MI- Nov/Dec 2018

  • Collection of work displayed June 2018 at the Traverse City Country Club

  • Became a member of Oil Painters of America in January 2018

  • Collection of work displayed June 2017 at the Botanic Gardens in Traverse City, MI

  • "Peoples Choice Award" in Baypoint CC juried annual show 2015 with, "Overcome by Fear, Fear Overcome"

  • Accepted into ARTPRIZE Grand Rapids 2015 with piece "Overcome by Fear, Fear Overcome"

  • Floral piece in juried show at Baypoint CC in April 2016

  • Floral piece in juried show at Gallery 50 in February 2016

  • Accepted into ARTPRIZE Grand Rapids 2011 with "The Offering"

  • A selection of work shown at Inside Out Gallery in 2009