Rebecca Deneau
Impressionist Oil Painter
Drawn to the wonder and timeless beauty of the natural world
For the past decade, I’ve had the joy of working as a professional artist, building a fine art practice inspired by the places that have shaped my life and story.
I'm inspired by the familiar woods and shorelines of Northern Michigan, and the canyons, mountains, and expansive vistas I’ve encountered while exploring America’s national parks.
I work from my home studio in Northern Michigan, where I live with my husband, our three teenage boys, and our sweet pup.
Over Time
My approach to landscape painting has moved beyond simple representation. It has grown into a contemplative practice that invites attentiveness to moments of awe, quiet presence, and deep connection.
I'm less interested in capturing exactly what a place looks like than in what it feels like to be there. Like the quiet of early morning light, the rhythm of moving water,
wind, weather and sound.
My paintings are shaped by personal experience and a deep appreciation for the simple wonders all around us.
Painting is, for me, a response—an offering shaped by joy and reverence.
My faith is inseparable from the way I see the world and naturally informs my work. As I paint, I often meditate on passages that speak of creation’s praise, such as Psalm 96, which describes the earth rejoicing. If the natural world can express joy through wind and water, through growth and bloom, then I, too, can participate in that song through the act of painting.
While my work begins in personal reflection, it is ultimately meant to be shared.
I hope these paintings invite you into a slower pace and to notice the beauty that surrounds us. Perhaps they will stir a treasured memory, offer a sense of calm, or provide a grounding moment of joy.
My deepest hope is that my work brings peace into your space and gently points your heart back toward wonder.
Artful Gifts
Press & Shows
- Feature article in In Her Studio Magazine, Fall 2025
- Short Essay in In Her Studio magazine, Spring 2025
- Let’s Go North featured in Michigan Blue Magazine, Spring 2025
- 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
