Wendy Westlake is a contemporary abstract painter whose seemingly translucent bold shapes and nuanced color palette draw from years of working in watercolors.

Westlake was born in Washington state. She earned an Associated degree in Applied Art from Pima College in Tuscon, AZ, where she studied a wide range of media including oils, print making, and ceramics. Upon moving back to Minnesota in 1992, Wendy connected with the watercolor community and she became President of the Minnesota Watercolor Society.

A desire to work on a larger scale than paper would allow pulled Wendy back to her earlier training with acrylic and oils. Her work is influenced by her background in watercolor as well as the tradition of American Abstract Expressionism.

"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 strong defined ways, 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."

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

2025 Venerate, at M Fine Galerie, Boston, MA
2023 Undercurrent Veronique Wantz, Minneapolis, MN
2021 Initium, Veronique Wantz, Minneapolis, MN
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