HEATHER ARENAS
Heather Arenas: American Oil Painter
Biography
Heather Arenas was born in 1969 in New Jersey and is currently based in Myakka City, Florida. She began her professional art career participating in life-drawing and plein-air painting events across the United States, most notably in Colorado, where she studied and painted alongside artists like Kim English and Daniel Sprick2.
Artistic Style & Approach
Arenas works primarily in oil, combining elements of realism and impressionism. Her paintings are distinguished by high-contrast compositions, extensive use of grays, and bold, expressive brushwork. Over time, she shifted from pure representation toward crafting narratives that invite viewers into personal stories and memories.
Notable Series
Rainy Streets of Barcelona – capturing the glistening, reflective pavements and intimate street scenes
Gorse & Sheep in Scotland – exploring rugged landscapes dotted with vibrant yellow blossoms
Vibrant Curacao – celebrating the island’s colorful architecture and lively local life
Museum Visitors in New York City – focusing on the gestures of people viewing art, with a recurring figure in a yellow dress symbolizing family support and legacy
Mediums & Techniques
Arenas adapts her oil paintings to a variety of supports, including cradled birch panels, aluminum panels, and Dibond. She often paints multi-figure compositions that emphasize gesture and a sense of place, aiming to go beyond a “That’s nice” reaction and instead spark memories and emotional engagement.
Exhibitions, Workshops & Collections
Exhibits work through galleries such as Anderson Fine Art Gallery and participates in national art fairs and events
Sponsored artist with BoldBrush, offering limited-edition prints and originals through their platform
Provides workshops and plein-air painting sessions, sharing her process and techniques with emerging artists
