Debra Riggs is a fine artist whose work centers on portraits, figures, and landscapes, capturing not just the outward appearance of her subjects, but their essence. Through a delicate balance of color, light, and expressive brushwork, she brings her subjects to life—whether it’s the quiet, unguarded gesture of a person or the shifting atmosphere of a landscape.
Debra’s work is about the intimate moments that tell a deeper story, those fleeting interactions and scenes that reveal something raw and true. “Whenever something catches my eye, I feel there's a story I need to tell. It might be a person in a private moment or the gentle ripple of a marsh tide. There’s a sense of honesty in those moments, a rawness that speaks directly to the soul.”
Her process often begins en plein air, painting outdoors to capture the immediate essence of light and place. In the studio, she refines these impressions, deepening color relationships and layering textures to create a vibrant sense of presence. Her style is known for its rich color palette and loose, intuitive brushwork, where each layer builds complexity, inviting the viewer to connect with the emotional depth of the work.
With a background in fine art from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, and Spruill Art Center, Debra has also trained with respected portrait artists Nancy Honea and Michael Del Priore. She regularly paints with a group of professional artists, working from live models, and often paints live at music venues alongside her husband, singer-songwriter Jack Riggs. Her primary mediums include oil, gouache, and pastel.