the art of
Maggie DiGrazia

Hi there, I'm Maggie- where the magic of painting meets the beauty of animals and nature...

 

I was born and raised in Rochester, NY—a little suburban girl in a neighborhood bursting with kids, creativity, and endless adventure. My childhood was filled with tree forts, snow caves, and backyard campouts, each season offering its own kind of wonder. Whether chasing fireflies or sledding down the stairs on a mattress, life was an open invitation to imagine and explore.

 

Much of that wild-hearted curiosity was nurtured by my grandparents, Margie and Gramps. Gramps, a true jack-of-all-trades, was as talented with his hands as he was with his harmonica. He’d hear a tune once and play it effortlessly, usually while cruising in his white El Camino with sawdust in the air and a CB radio buzzing beside him: “Breaker one-niner… this is Ramblin’ Russ.” My handle was Magnificent Maggie—a name I’ve carried like a little charm ever since.

 

Margie, my angel and guide, filled my world with mystery and light—teaching me about dream interpretation, reincarnation, and tea leaf readings.

 

My mom, Mo, is the perfect blend of their creativity and love. Her talent knows no bounds—she can bead, embroider, and craft with a level of skill that seems almost magical. She often creates precious, handmade gifts that carry so much thought and love. I treasure these items deeply, from intricately beaded amulets to delicately embroidered pieces that tell a story. Her creations are as meaningful as they are beautiful, a reflection of her creative spirit and our bond.

 

With creativity running through every generation, it’s no surprise I found my way to painting. My earliest drawings were of my stuffed animals, their little faces holding stories I imagined only they could understand. That intuitive connection to animals deepened over time, and today, it remains at the heart of my work.

 

I now create original oil and acrylic paintings that celebrate the soulful connection between animals and their environments—real or imagined. My current series places wildlife in whimsical, non-indigenous landscapes, exploring the beauty of belonging, mystery, and magic. I also offer custom pet portraits, including the option to place beloved pets in dreamy, storybook settings that feel one-of-a-kind.

 

Prints, greeting cards, and commissions are available at markets and through my website, where I continue to grow and share this evolving journey. I’m still new to this path—building slowly, learning as I go—but I’m deeply grateful for the chance to share a little bit of whim + wild wonder with the world.