About the artist:
Rachel Westman - Lutz, Florida
When I look at the world, my mind translates what I see into paintings. I have loved creating since childhood, beginning with sketches of the birds that visited our feeders. My artwork lets me express myself and share the everyday beauty that surrounds us.
Mostly self-taught, I focus on landscapes that reflect the natural world. Born and raised in Illinois, I now live in sunny Lutz, Florida, just north of Tampa with my husband Eric and our two middle school aged boys and two English Labradors.
I have mountains tattooed on my left forearm, and an ocean wave on my right. These symbolize several things for me. First and foremost, it points to how God carries us through the high points of life, but also is with us in the storm. Secondly, they are the main subjects that I love to paint. And thirdly, frequent family trips to Colorado left a lasting fondness for the Rocky Mountains. Likewise, many years enjoying Florida’s tropical beauty and ocean views make this place dear to my heart.
I hope my work inspires a sense of peace, wonder at God’s creation, and an appreciation for the outdoors. Acrylics are my preferred medium, though I also enjoy working in graphite, colored pencil, and oil.