Swim Up Bar (2023) creates a relaxed environment with the calmness of the people within the painting who look to be engaged in conversations. The water has great reflective depth, which enhances the relaxing atmosphere of the painting. One can also see the sunlight, which ripples on the surface of the pool’s water and blends subtly into the scene. Every figure within the painting has different expressions and postures, which shows Westcott’s great skill in figurative painting.
The perspective of the painting is positioned at the level of the water that helps to bring the viewer into the atmosphere of the swim-up bar- making them a part of the scene.
Family Gathering (2023) is a painting with people engaging in conversation. The composition uses vibrant colours to convey the Mediterranean sunlight while contrasting with the more natural tones of the foliage in the back of the painting. The scene itself creates a convivial atmosphere as warm colours dominate the painting. At the same time, the cooler blue of the water helps draw the viewer’s eyes to the figures in the water, while the foliage also helps to move the viewer to them.
Each individual in the painting has distinctive features and postures, which help to express their individuality while keeping them in a group along with the casual body language helps to ground the atmosphere as relaxing.
Sundeck (2023) is set with a slightly elevated vantage point, which allows the viewer to be guided by the folding chairs, which form a somewhat circular shape. The elevation of the perspective helps to give the observer the feeling of unfolding a chair and becoming part of this scene.
Unlike acrylic paintings, this work uses flat colours and crisp lines, giving it a more minimalist style rather than a more realistic one. However, it is understood that this is a digital drawing which serves as a reference for the acrylic version. This has thus allowed the digital version to be a way for the viewer to see the process behind Westcott’s work- how the colours, lighting, shading, and composition are made before much greater detail is added.
Therefore, through sharing this work; the viewer has a much greater insight into the vision of the artwork. It also showcases Westcott’s observational skills and the ability to transform leisure and human expression into a work of art.