Deb Maccagnano is a Wausau, Wisconsin artist and teacher, who specializes in contemporary portraits, cityscapes, landscapes, and commissions using primarily oil paints and experiments with mixed media art. She is known for her thick, bold color palette and prominent marks. She uses both traditional techniques like impasto, glazing, and alla prima for expressive contemporary oil painting texture and depth. As well as non-representational styles for abstract, minimalist, and surrealist works that prioritize form, color, and texture over realistic depiction.

Age 11 – 2006 – The Makings of an Artist

Her love of art started at a young age of 11, with pencil drawings and grew further into her adulthood.

In 2006, she started drawing with pencil, and was commissioned by friends to draw their loved ones.

In 2008, Deb started taking lessons at All About Art with Wisconsin artist Mable Tousignant. Mabel is skilled in old master oil painting techniques.

From 2010-2024 she furthered her studies with a world renowned contemporary oil painting artist, David Anthony Hummer. From the beginning David encourages his’ students to push past their perceived limits, creating a welcoming space, and teaching valuable skills that led to gratification in their accomplishments.

Workshops were started at The Bauhaus on Washington St in Wausau, Wisconsin. David grew our art community to 3-5 workshops a week and he asked Deb to assist his’ students and workshops. The requests for childrens oil painting workshops were in demand so Deb took on teaching children ages 9-14 during the summer of 2016.

Throughout the next ten years, David created Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art and D. Anthony Gallery in Downtown Wausau, Wisconsin. Mr. Hummer would contract elite North American artists such as; Alyssa Monks, Victor Wang, Jacob Dhein, Aaron Sidorenko, Margaret Bowland, Carmelo Blandino, David Shevlino, and Jennifer Balkan to instruct 3-4 day workshops. Deb was lead to make investments to attend and submerse herself into each workshop.

2025 – Community Advocate for Artist

A vision with deep passion grew in 2025. Deb contacted a few local artists to brainstorm how we can unite and integrate our small town with our art community. The ideas grew to bringing workshops, collaboration and to promote local artist of all levels and ages at galleries and shows. Now seven artists founded and represent Golden Brush Guild. Which has lead her to teach private group lessons.

In 2025, Deb Maccagnano met with the visionary leaders at Rise Up in downtown Wausau, Wisconsin. She was inspired by their mission which is grounded in the belief that art has the unique ability to heal and inspire. Their distinctive art space allows Deb to teach workshops as well as represent Rise Up as a workshop coordinator. Deb contracts other art teachers to teach, grow, inspire and heal ambitious Wisconsin artists of all ages. To find more about her workshops click here!

Passions

Her passion has grown to paint faces of grace (portraitures), cityscapes, landscapes and commissioned pieces. Besides art, Deb loves her family, animals, decorating, studying spirituality, yoga, traveling, studying and choosing a healthy diet for herself and coaching others, and going out to lunch with friends.