Hi, I’m Heather O'Drobinak — an artist inspired by nature and wildlife. I work primarily in oil paint, pencil, and pen, combining realism with personal expression to create fine art that captures both the seen and the felt.

My creative journey has been anything but linear. Art was my passion all throughout my childhood. While I still consider myself a self-taught artist, learning new techniques through trial and error, I earned my degree in Studio Art from CSU Chico with a split emphasis on painting and photography. I switched courses after graduating to study dental assisting and sciences at Diablo Valley College. This led me to a nine year career in a pediatric dental office. I convinced myself the dental field was where I should be…but it wasn’t where I wanted to be. I completed a Master’s in Marketing from California Coast University, which started to spark something in me. I realized I wasn’t where I needed to be. I took countless trips to South Lake Tahoe to get away from all the noise of the Bay Area, work and outside perspectives to figure out what I wanted. South Lake Tahoe brought out my creative side through the community and landscape. I started painting and drawing again after years of putting it aside! After years in the dental field, I’ve taken a leap of faith to return to my true passion: creating art and exploring the world through painting, photography and drawing.

Now based in beautiful South Lake Tahoe, I share my life with my dog Arya, who’s always up for an alpine hike and adventure while waiting for canvas’ to dry. Living amongst the mountains has deepened my connection to natural beauty and fueled my desire to share it through my work.

Each piece I create has been my therapy and is a reflection of a moment in time that fueled my desire to paint. There’s something moving about wildlife up close—the quiet intensity in an animal’s eyes, the intricate texture of fur or feathers, the subtle power in a moment of stillness. The pause. These intimate details often go unnoticed, but they hold a raw, natural beauty that speaks louder than words. Through my art, I strive to capture these fleeting moments, inviting viewers to look closer, feel a connection, and appreciate the delicate wonder that exists all around us, those golden moments.

Thank you for being here—I’m honored to share this journey with you.