Partner Spotlight: Barbara Rush

In today’s Partner Spotlight, we talked with Barbara Rush about her artistic process and influences. Barbara, a nationally renowned animal artist, brings a unique perspective to her award-winning acrylic creations which she refers to as GeoCubism. Her artistic journey, inspired by cubist masters and a deep love for animals, is marked by the intricate interplay of bold colors, structured forms, and a profound connection to her subjects. All of these come together resulting in vibrant and significant works of art. To ensure the highest quality prints for her customers, Barbara has partnered with Lumaprints as her trusted print provider.

1. What media do you use for your art style? Is there a specific reason why you chose this media? 

When I developed my style, I chose to use acrylic paints. Acrylics dry fast, so I am less likely to smear my work as I paint, which is important when you paint like I do with all those blocks of color. They also have a wide spectrum of beautiful bright colors, and in proper conditions can last for hundreds of years.

2. Can you describe your art and your art style? 

My work has been influenced by cubist artists such as Picasso, Albert Gleizes, Juan Gris, and Jean Metzinger, but my style, GeoCubism, is uniquely my own. I love combining shapes, colors, geometry with the animals…is so enjoyable!

3. Who or what drives you to create your art and share them to the world? 

My deep connection and love of animals got me started with art then my customers reactions keep me creating and traveling from art festival to art festival.

4. Can you share a favorite quote or saying that you live by?  

“Do the thing, the thing will give you energy.” – Arash Vossoughi
(In other words, stop procrastinating)

5. Can you discuss a specific piece of art that you are particularly proud of and why?

I really love my Awesome Aussie! The dog’s clear blue eyes are very captivating and I even have a customer who wanted it on their 47′ yacht so it has been traveling the GREAT LOOP for the last two years!

6. Can you walk us through your creative process from start to finish?

When creating my art I always complete the backgrounds first, using heavy bodied acrylics with impasto techniques and dry brush, or glazes, to finish the layers. I allow myself complete freedom in the background in contrast to the tight forms that are used to convey my subject matter.

Designs of my subjects are created on paper, once they are complete, I transfer my sketches to the canvas. Merging the elegant geometric compositions of horses, florals, or other creatures onto the loose backgrounds.

I then apply colors into the heavily gridded shapes, or curves, that in the same moment break apart and hold the subject matter together. Quill brushes (not masking tape) are used to create precise lines and curves. I enjoy leaving a space between the shapes to allow the background to pass through, reminding us that although our world appears to be solid there is a life force that exists, between our molecules, creating movement within all things. Life is molded from lines and shapes, capturing the essence of its energy on the canvas.

7. How do you handle creative blocks or challenges in your work?

I love to walk in nature, play with my cats, listen to great music, meditate and set myself up for success. When I get blocked, I work on backgrounds which is like a baby step to get myself back to painting.

8. What is your advice to aspiring artists?

Focus on the positive. Listen to positive lectures on YouTube. Believe in yourself and your art or if you don’t work on making yourself better. Look at Madonna (the singer) people told her she would never last:-)
And of course, use Lumaprints because they aren’t just wonderful to work with, they have great prices, a great product, and fast service!

Learn more about Barbara and her art:
Website: Barbara Rush
Facebook: BarbaraRushArt
Instagram: @barbararushfineart
Pinterest: barbararushart