This Kentucky Artist Broke Every Rule … and Her Collection Sold Out Opening Day
From whimsical horses to colorful collections, Kentucky artist Jenny Westenhofer is proving that sometimes the best ideas come when you throw out the rulebook. Image: Jenny Westenhofer
For years, Jenny Westenhofer balanced raising four children and a marketing career with a love of painting. But when she finally decided to stop creating what she thought other people wanted and start painting purely for herself, something clicked. Today, her colorful, whimsical designs are finding their way into homes and businesses throughout the region, and her collections regularly sell out. From playful ponies to her signature plate paintings, Jenny is proving that sometimes the best way to find success is to make your own rules.
What drew you to painting?
I’ve always been artistic and creative, but I chose not to pursue art in college because I took AP art in high school, and it stressed me out too much. I wanted to keep art as something that I loved. Later, when I was staying home with my four kids, I started doing a few projects, like painting friends’ nurseries.
In 2009, I took an oil painting class and fell in love. I eventually started teaching oil painting, and word of mouth connected me with designers. Within a couple of years, I was getting commissions.
What inspired you to shift from commissioned work to creating your own designs?
About a year ago, I decided to take it up a notch. I had this gut feeling: “I know I can do more with this.” For the first time ever, I painted what I wanted to paint, how I wanted to, and completely disregarded what I thought other people would want to buy. I’m not painting for the masses.
My artwork is very specific. I have stuck to what I love, and I think that’s why it’s doing well. If it comes across as authentic, it’s because it really is.
How do your collections come to life?
I never plan a collection; they just happen. When I allow myself to free my brain, the ideas come to me. One day I just started painting plates. I have no idea why. But plates don’t bore me because every one can be different. Then someone called me “the plate lady,” and that was enough for me to say, “No more plates! Don’t pigeonhole me!”
Then I started painting horses — they’re everywhere in Kentucky. But I thought, “What if I paint them the way I want to paint them?” Plaids, stripes, whatever. I made it for my home, and I loved it. I started painting more, looked around, and thought, “I guess I have a collection.” That became Preppy Pony.
How has your artistic style evolved over the years?
I’ve painted portraits; I’ve painted animals and homes. I’ve painted anything anyone wants me to do. The fact that I’ve spent so many years painting so many different subjects and styles has brought me to this point. You have to know the rules before you break them.
But I realized that when I am painting realistically, it’s not fun. When I allow myself to free my brain, the ideas just come to me. The purest form of me is when I’m painting. It’s where I have the most autonomy. I feel so grateful when I think about this gift I’ve been given.
What’s been the biggest challenge of turning your hobby into a career?
There’s a lot of strife in being creative. It’s a lot. I’M a lot. I’m always itching to do something more or different. It’s an itch I can’t scratch sometimes, and it’s overwhelming. I told my husband that I’m just getting started, and he said, “I’m ready to slow down!” I still have so much that I want to do, but I want to do it in a way that’s true to me.
I don’t want to create based on what can be commercially successful. I think I will always be striving to find that balance.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing?
My love of interior design is almost as great as my love of art. The lighting, the layers, the textures. Ultimately, I don’t think I would like to do other people’s houses, though. It’s just so personal. But I’m working on wallpaper and textile designs that will launch in spring 2027 because I really love the textures and layering that come with designing a home.
What’s your advice for creating a home you love to be in?
Good, low, warm lighting. That’s the biggest. Layers — pillows, throws. I’m not a stark and modern person. I love texture on the walls, grasscloth, and chunky, ornate woodwork. I’m really lucky that I live in an old house with lots of woodwork. It has good bones.
I gravitate toward creams and lighter colors, but my favorite color is green. I have green all over the place. I think it’s important to have plants in beautiful pots. And art, obviously. You should have something in each room that means something to you. Each room should feel special and personal.
I’m also really into candles. My absolute favorite is Flamingo Estate Green Goddess. It’s the most phenomenal candle ever. I also love Trudon. It’s a splurge, and a great gift. For the holidays, it has to be Nest.
What collection are you currently working on?
I release collections roughly quarterly. Right now I’m working on a collection inspired by Jonathan Adler’s Menagerie collection, which I’ve collected myself. I’ll have one owl, one squirrel, one fox. It’s woodland-ish, but not specifically a winter look.
My last collection was a few ponies, some pointer dogs, and ducks. I sold out the day of the launch. So many people suggested I do more of those, but I have to do it my way. God forbid I do something someone suggests.
What’s next for you?
I’m one of six founding artists working with Gilded Monkey on mahjong sets. I’m working on two sets, The Pretty Pony and The Garden Party. Both will include tiles, racks, and mats. I started making my own set about a year ago, but it turns out that finding good samples to put the designs on is incredibly hard. I didn’t like the samples I was finding, and it just didn’t feel good, so I put it on pause. Then Tania [Reid, founder of Gilded Monkey] contacted me, and it was just perfect.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What’s a Louisville restaurant dish you crave? Agave and Rye tacos.
What’s your favorite store to get lost in? Digs Home & Garden.
Last great book you read? Theo of Golden by Levi Allen. I was crying the whole way through.
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Beth Clayton
For over 20 years, Beth Clayton has either been working in a newsroom or pitching one. A natural storyteller and word nerd from the moment she could pick up a pencil, she earned her journalism degree from Butler University and spent the next decade as a writer, reporter, and editor. She now lives in Louisville, KY with her husband, three kids, and a very bad dog, and loves immersing herself in old lady hobbies such as houseplants and macrame.
