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Original Oil Paintings by Heather Heitzenrater

Heather Heitzenrater is a Pittsburgh-based painter, teacher, and creative. Heather’s oil paintings often incorporate figures immersed in environments surrounded by mylar film and mirrors. Mylar’s silver, liquid-like surface forms abnormal shapes and catches magnificent colors from its surroundings.

Similarly, mirrors can contort images in ways that make us see people, places, and things differently. They can create abstract images by twisting and bending to the point where objects and places are intangible. It’s as if reflections are a portal to another world, one full of chaos and curiosity. One that lures the viewer in to take a closer look.

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The Art of a Challenge

Heather has always felt a calling to capture the world around her through painting. But it wasn't until art school that she found her true love for color, the human form, and reflections.

“I started painting reflections when I realized it was a real struggle for me. I was determined to master it, so I started painting anything shiny I could get my hands on. After countless paintings of glass bottles, tin cans, and water, I finally came across a roll of reflective Mylar, and the rest is history.”

Heather Heitzenrater painting in studio

“Everyone wants the stars. Everyone wishes to grasp that which exists out of reach. To hold the extraordinary in their hands and keep the remarkable in their pockets.”
― Erin Morgenstern, The Starless Sea

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Exploring Other Worlds

Heather’s oil paintings have a one-of-a-kind surrealistic mood, one with heightened colors, boldness, and deeply emotive expressions. She invites you into the mystical world of her imagination to explore a coalescence of fantasy, science fiction, and escapism.

Looking at her pieces, you’ll go down a labyrinthian rabbit hole of reflections, colors, and characters. Heather’s blending of realism and surrealism creates an uncanny landscape that merges reality with dream-like visions.
 

Scenic Painting Work

In addition to her work as an oil painter, Heather works with production companies and theaters on their set construction and props. Most notably, Netflix commissioned her to create a variety of paintings for a set of a limited series.

She also works with amusement parks and other businesses to develop scenes for various attractions such as escape rooms, haunted houses, and dark rides. If you’re interested in contracting Heather for scenic painting, please reach out today.

Scenic artwork
heather heitzenrater

Teaching & Workshops

Heather also teaches various classes and workshops in Pittsburgh. With seven years of teaching experience, she’s taught everything from small weekend workshops to courses at the Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media. Currently Heather is teaching: Painting and Drawing the Figure and Portrait, Color Theory, and Intro to Painting and Drawing.

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