Painting The Richness of Life: Rush Cole’s Journey from Self-Taught Artist to Icon of the American West

NATIONWIDE - OCTOBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) From a young age, Rush Cole viewed the world around her in what would become her personal creative vision. As a child, she was captivated by the richness of life, the vibrant colors of nature, the deep emotions of human experience, and the stories hidden in every corner of existence. By the age of twelve, she had already sold her first piece of art, and by eighth grade, her talents were undeniable. Being recognized as "Most Promising Art Student", out of hundreds of junior high school classmates, foretold a bright future. But it wasn’t the acclaim of her peers or teachers that motivated her, it was the need to create, to capture the world in ways that words could not.

Her Path to Becoming a Renowned Fine Artist

Cole's journey to becoming a renowned artist was unconventional. Raised without support from her family for her artistic pursuits, she navigated a world that often seemed indifferent to her passion. Yet, despite these early challenges, she remained steadfast. Art was not merely a passion for her; it was a calling, a necessity. Self-taught in various materials, techniques, and genres, Cole worked tirelessly to hone her skills, constantly pushing the boundaries of her craft.

A Pioneering Spirit: The Mural That Jump-Started a Career

A pivotal moment in Cole’s artistic journey occurred in 1982 when she won a statewide competition in Texas to create a mural for the City of Corpus Christi. The monumental 8 feet by 20 feet work of art portrays more than five centuries of the city’s history, weaving together its cultural heritage, environmental beauty, and historical significance. The acrylic-on-canvas painting is on permanent exhibit at the American Bank Center; an integral part of Corpus Christi’s public art collection.

This achievement marked the beginning of a distinctive artistic approach for Cole, as she began capturing entire cities and their histories through fine art. For Cole, art was never just about aesthetics, it was also about telling stories, weaving together the past, present, and future through her brushstrokes.

The Artistic Evolution: Awards and Recognition

Over the decades, Cole’s work has garnered recognition in national and international art competitions. She has received numerous accolades, including Best Of Show awards from prestigious art organizations such as the National Watercolor Society. Her paintings have been added to several prominent collections, both in the U.S. and abroad.

In addition to her success in juried competitions, Cole’s work gained more recognition when she was invited to teach accredited courses in drawing and watercolor painting for the University of Alaska, further solidifying her position as a respected figure in the art world.

When it comes to subject matter, the sky is the limit as far as Rush is concerned. For instance, the artist has adored autos, big trucks, and large machinery since she was quite young. It was no wonder, then, that she immediately knew she had to paint the neighbor’s vintage backhoe loader after spying it one morning following a new snow the previous night. Parked next to an adobe brown building, with rays of sunlight gilding it as they topped the Sangre De Cristo mountains east of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Rush fell in love with the very sight of it.

Rush Cole in the studio, working on “WINTERBEEST”, 48” x 60”, oil on canvas, a portrait of the Case 580C backhoe that resides next door to her.

A Heartfelt Journey: Art as Healing

For Cole, art has also sometimes been a means of emotional and mental healing. In navigating personal challenges, including childhood trauma and the struggles of being a single mother and raising a child, art provided her with a way to access and heal what words could not. Over 30 years ago, she began using both painting and writing to process her experiences. This journey culminated in the publication of her memoir, Dream of the Butterfly, which she self-published during the pandemic. The book, along with her illustrated retrospective Art of the Journey, was warmly received by readers who appreciated her ability to channel personal struggles into transformative art.

In 2022, she expanded into fiction with the release of The Bombshell Rides Again, a mystery novel. set in the Southwest, that also garnered positive reviews from readers. This transition from fine art to literature demonstrates Cole’s creative versatility and willingness to explore new ways of expression.

The Cowgirl Artist: Western Life and Inspirations

In 1996, Cole made a life-changing move from the Midwest to the American Southwest, a region that instantly fired up her creativity. Rush’s experiences riding horseback through the rugged wilderness of New Mexico and Arizona, as well as working on cattle ranches, deeply influenced her creative desire to capture the spirit of the American West with paint and brushes..

In 2014 and 2015, Cole was invited to be the official artist for Rodeo de Santa Fe, gaining unique behind the scenes access to one of the more prestigious PRCA events in New Mexico. Through this opportunity, she was able to observe and experience the raw energy, emotion, and athleticism of a vibrant American culture, further enriching new works of art.

Photo of Rush Cole: Herschel Mair.

Painting from the Heart: What Makes Rush Cole Different

What sets Rush Cole apart from many artists is her focus on personal growth rather than competition. As she puts it, "I don’t compete with anyone else. I never have. My sole desire is always to surpass my own most recent work of art." For Cole, art isn’t about comparison, it’s about personal expression and growth. Whether working in traditional realism, abstract, or contemporary styles, her art always emerges from a place of deep passion and connection.

Her ability to paint from the heart has earned her a loyal following of collectors and admirers. For Cole, art is not just about creating beauty, it’s about sharing a piece of herself with the world. In Rush’s opinion, the 12th century poet, Rumi, said it perfectly:

"In your light, I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest, where no one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art."  

~From The Essential Rumi, by Coleman Barks, with John Moyne.

An Invitation to Explore Rush Cole’s Art

Whether captivated by her traditional portraits, or intrigued with her contemporary interpretations of the American West, Rush Cole’s art offers a rare opportunity to connect with the soul of the landscape, its people and creatures, and its stories. After decades of refining her craft, Cole invites viewers to experience the richness of life through her eyes.

For more information on her latest projects and artwork, visit Rush Cole Fine Art: www.rushcolefineart.com.