What makes Wendy Westlake´s Large, botanical-inspired artwork so intriguing is that you know there is more to it than meets the eye. Each piece has an interesting network of layers, textures and colours. Westlake combines acrylic, graphite, charcoal and crayon to create the depth and personality that is unique to her style of abstract art.

I live in a small town, Zumbrota, Minnesota.

How would you describe your art? 

Mid-century inspired.

An artist, musician, and actor you’d invite to dinner.

I´d invite Helen Frankenthaler, Lauren Daigel and Robin Wright to dinner.

How your art has evolved over the past three years?

Larger scale, simpler designs and more about the materials and surface texture.

What inspired ´Invited to Dance´? 

The inspiration for “Invited to Dance” came from much the same place as my other work, exploration of shapes and colors, with a decidesly warm palette.

Invited to Dance
40″ x 40″
Graphite, crayon and acrylic on raw canvas.

I’ve always thought cold wax or encaustic would be fun, I love the creamy texture. Or sculpture I think welding would be fun.

Your favourite art movement.

Abstract expressionism.

Music you listen to when creating.

I listen to music about 30% of the time. I really enjoy the quiet most of the time. When I do it’s a mix of things: christian contemporary, 70’s, old rock, classical, whatever suits my mood.

How do you remedy a creative block?

Being outside, hiking, boating, or near the ocean, that inspires me.

An abstract artist we need to follow on Instagram.

I think Rubeena Ratcliffe is amazing.