Heather Neilson is an abstract painter whose work explores atmosphere, energy, and structure. Through the building and revealing of layered surfaces, she creates paintings that invite moments of grace, contemplation, and spaciousness. The work exists between expansiveness and grounding, and between light and dark.
Heather lives and works in Northwest Connecticut. She studied at the Art Students League of New York and holds a B.A. in Communications from Rutgers University. Her work has been exhibited throughout New England and is held in private collections across the United States.
In addition to her studio practice, Heather teaches abstract painting classes and workshops and is trained as a GOLDEN Artist Educator and Silver Brush Educator.
Education
1996-1998 - Independent Studies - Art Students League of New York, New York, NY
1989 - B.A. Communications, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Gallery
Alofft Gallery, Litchfield, CT
Select Exhibitions
2026 - Nation of Vision - Silvermine Galleries, New Canaan, CT
2025 - Abstract Meditations - The Judy Black Memorial Park, Washington Depot, CT
2025 - Solo Exhibition - Chase Gallery, West Hartford, CT
2025 - Mixed Media Invitational, Kent Art Association, Kent, CT
2024 - Connecticut Women Artists, National Juried Show - Slater Museum, Norwich, CT
2024 - Renewal - Kehler Liddell Gallery, New Haven, CT
2022 - Solo Exhibition - The Norfolk Library - Norfolk, CT
2022 - Five CT Women, Kent Art Association - Kent, CT
2020 - National Fine Art Show – Lincoln Gallery, Loveland, CO
2020 - Small Works, Five Points Gallery, Torrington, CT
2018 - CT+6 West Hartford Art League, West Hartford, CT, Jack Richeson Award
2018 - Solo Exhibition - The Smithy Loft Gallery, New Preston, CT
2016 - Solo Exhibition - Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted, CT
2015, 2016 - Solo Exhibition - The Underground Gallery, Collinsville, CT
Residencies
2026 - Jen Tough Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2021, 2018, 2017 - Steve Aimone Art Services - New Smyrna, FL, Thomaston, ME, Online
2018 - Judith Kruger Master Residency – MASS MOCA, North Adams, MA