Art Chowder July | August, Issue 22 | Page 21

R ecently, I interviewed award-winning artist Rush Cole armed with two questions: Is there any art she doesn’t do and what art mediums does she want to do, but hasn’t? Visit RushColeFineArt.com to see an artist proficient in graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, pastels, watercolors, acrylics and oil. But, Rush didn’t stop there. She is also a skilled photographer and writer. “Because I paint in a variety of styles and use assorted media, not to mention focusing on whatever subject captures my interest at the moment, it’s rather difficult sometimes for clients and gallery owners to categorize just what sort of artist I am.” A good sport, Rush laughs every time someone asks the same questions I did. “I don’t eat the same food every day. Why would I paint the same thing every day?” Rush defines herself as a “fine artist with an unquenchable need for total creative freedom.” Her art covers subjects from nature to belly dancing and history to bull riders. Regardless of the subject, there is a common thread in her work: “I adore using only natural light and whatever shadows enhance the subjects and essence I am intent on expressing.” Vivid colors and brightness don artwork displayed on her website and on social media. Following Rush’s Facebook posts is an invitation to watch the creative process at work. She is an open book. Her thoughts, inspiration, and artwork in progress, accompanied with the stories that inspired the art are captivating and demonstrate a life full of interesting people and intriguing experiences. Rush’s Facebook friends are rough, tough cowboys. And, that is what got her noticed to be a background actress on the Netflix series Longmire, filmed in northern New Mexico. “I had never thought about working in films. The casting director for the project spotted me on Facebook and messaged me out of the blue.” Longmire, a modern western crime drama, ran for six seasons between 2012-2017. July | August 2019 21