Wendy Westlake
modern abstract paintings
Artist Statement:
Within each canvas is an opportunity to explore relationships through shape and color. I consider how much territory a specific shape will occupy, whether it should expand perhaps overlapping neighboring shapes. Will these forms meet in a strong defined way or will the edges barely touch in delicate softness? The use of color opens yet another avenue for interplay of relationships. A bold orange painted next to an equally bold red will look and feel completely different than if paired with a muted yellow. Each color is influenced by those closest to it.
In a sense each painting is either portrait or self-portrait. How am I affected by those closest to me and how do I influence them in return? I'm inspired by the American Abstract Expressionists, particularly the color fields of Mark Rothko and collages of Conrad Marca-Relli
Representation
Baisden Gallery, Tampa FL
Galerie Blanche, Montréal, Canada
Gardner Colby Gallery, Naples FL
LaFontsee Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI
M Fine Arts Galerie, Boston, MA
Merritt Gallery, Baltimore, MD, Philadelphia, PA, Washington DC
Moberg Gallery
Shain Gallery, Charlotte, NC
Veronique Wantz Gallery, Minneapolis, MN
Education/Experience
1992 Associate of Applied Arts, Pima College, Tucson, AZ
2 year Bible AFLBS Bible College
2016-2017 535 Gallery owner/curator
2014-2016 Minnesota Watercolor Society President
Solo and Two Person Exhibits
2021 Initium, Veronique Wantz, Minneapolis, MN Initium
2020 The Balance Remains, Veronique Wantz Gallery, Minneapolis, MN - postponed
2018 with Michelle Fagan, Parkside Gallery, Rochester, MN
2017 solo, Verdant Vinings, Gallery 360, Edina, MN
2017 with Bonnie Cutts, 535 Gallery, Rochester, MN
2016 with Nick Sinclair, 535 Gallery, Rochester, MN
2013 with HeeJune Shin, Crossings At Carnegie, Zumbrota, MN
Selected Group Exhibits
2021 Texture, Shain Gallery, Charlotte, NC
2020 Solid Ground, LaFontsee Gallery, Grand Rapids , MI
2019 Fall Salon, Veronique Wantz, Minneapolis, MN
2019 Eye Opener, LaFontsee Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI
2019 MPLS/ Warehouse Summer Salon, Veronique Wantz, Minneapolis, MN
2019 Open Ended, LaFontsee Gallery, Grand Rapids MI
2019 Far And Near Smink, Art And Design, Dallas, TX
2019 The Nature Of Things, The Mill Yard and Veronique Wantz Gallery, Minneapolis, MN
2018 Winter Salon, Veronique Wantz, Minneapolis, MN
2014 Red River Watercolor Society National Juried Exhibition