About
Ashleigh West “Westly”
Ashleigh West is a versatile artist specializing in both acrylic painting and drawing mediums such as graphite and pen and ink. With over eight years of experience in the art field, West has honed a unique artistic voice that blends precise, detailed rendering with expressive strokes inspired by impressionism. Their work often explores themes of nature, human emotion, and abstract expression, seeking to evoke deep emotional connections with the viewer through a masterful command of materials and technique.
Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Arkansas State University, West was trained in a diverse range of artistic disciplines, but their passion for the immediacy and depth of acrylic painting and the delicate nuances of graphite and pen drawing quickly became central to their practice. Their paintings are characterized by bold, layered compositions that balance realism with impressionistic elements, often using rich color contrasts and gestural brushstrokes to capture both the beauty and complexity of the world around them. In contrast, their drawings are finely detailed, showcasing their precision with line and shading, often portraying intricate textures and the subtleties of light and shadow.
In addition to their formal education, West has spent the last eight years building a strong presence in the art community and growing as a designer. Their work has seen employment at companies like Coldwell Banker Village Communities in Arkansas and EEG in Scottsdale, Arizona. During this time, West utilized graphic design and fine arts to bring unique and detailed marketing assets that demanded her commanding companies to be seen.
Influenced by both classical art traditions and contemporary movements, West continuously pushes the boundaries of their craft. While acrylics provide an outlet for their bold, colorful compositions, their graphite and pen drawings serve as a contemplative exploration of texture and form. West is particularly drawn to the tension between light and dark, using shading techniques in their drawings to create atmosphere and mood, and applying the same principles of contrast to their vibrant acrylic paintings.
Currently, West is focusing on a new series of works that explores the interplay between light and natural landscapes, drawing inspiration from their travels and personal experiences with the outdoors. As they continue to evolve as an artist, West seeks to not only master their chosen mediums but also challenge themselves with new ideas and concepts that push the boundaries of their creative vision.
Ashleigh West’s work can be viewed at http://www.straywest.com and is available for sale in various forms, including original paintings, limited edition prints, and custom commissions. For inquiries, please contact ashleigh.west@straywest.com.
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