We had the good fortune of connecting with Todd Westover and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Todd, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 2013, I quit art directing magazines to become a stay-at-home dad, and would often paint with my two young daughters. The girls would mix their own rich colors, paint for a bit, and then lose interest. Instead of pouring the paint down the drain, I would pull out a new piece of butcher paper and do my thing. What turned into wrapping paper for presents soon had people asking if it existed on canvas. Seven years and more than 150 paintings later, it’s still my signature style. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a child, I began doodling the “Flower-Power” graphics popular in the 60s and 70s. With a utilization of simple forms, I am somehow able to create portraits, houses, scenics, full-figure nudes, abstract statements and vases on tables. The repetitive rounded curves and flowing circles have a familiar sensuality that everyone, consciously or not, finds familiar and comforting. My paintings and murals all share the same joyous iconographic doodles of my youth, thereby fulfilling my desire to bring a smile to everyone’s face, and a bit more joy into the world. My paintings are a celebration of life, as flowers are a symbol of renewal and regrowth, a place of retreat. Enjoy life. That’s the message.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First a hike in the San Gabriels, then dinner and margaritas at La Cabanita in Montrose,

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I started painting with my kids, Alice Artemis Sun Moon and Stars and Ginger Genevieve Queen of Hearts. They continue to inspire me daily.

Website: westovertodd.com
Instagram: @westovertodd
Linkedin: Todd Westover
Facebook: todd.westover.104

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.