From a family of humble means, moved to Puebla to attend Academia de Bellas Artes, where awarded a prize in 1818. Trained in academic tradition as student of Lorenzo Zendejas and Manuel López Guerrero. Arrieta exhibited San Carlos Academy in 1850, Mexico City, with paintings of an episode from the Aeneid. Known as 'the painter of the people', excelled in costumbrista paintings and in still lifes. Exhibited Academia de Bellas Artes, Puebla, 1955; also painted religious subjects and retablos. Buried in Panteón San Antonio, Puebla.
