Thomas Rush
  • Paintings
    • Recent Paintings
    • Selected Paintings
    • Still Life Series 2019–2025
    • ​Paintings 2015–2019
    • Harmony in Chaos Period 2006–2013
    • SF/Bolinas 2003–2006
    • France 2000–2002
    • Guadalajara Period 1991–1996
    • Some Early Paintings
  • Photography
  • On Making Art
  • About the Artist
  • Contact

Painter            Writer           Photographer          Musician


Artist Statements:

I paint what the painting tells me to paint.
—Thomas Rush

As far as I am concerned, a painting speaks for itself.
What is the use of giving explanations when all is said and done? 
 
—Pablo Picasso


If you could say it in words there would be no reason to paint. 
—Edward Hopper


The tiny, enduring wheel set deep in the clanging, churning machinery of the art trade—the artist himself.
—Mavis Gallant


Picture
Picture
In backyard studio, Bolinas CA 2004 [Photo George Post]
Picture
Picture
At San Francisco Art Institute 1979 [Photo Mark Sterne]


1964: First abstract paintings: watercolors (lost) [Cincinnati]
1965–69: Abstract pen and ink drawings [New York, NY; San Francisco, CA]
1967: First oil painting: abstract (lost) [Mendocino, CA]
197
1-1973: Began painting in earnest [San Francisco]
1976–77: Moved to the South of France to paint, hoping to be inspired by its famous genius loci
1979–80: Created underground posters and booklets in collaboration with M. S. and K. R.; also color-xerox postcards [San Francisco]
1979–80: Painting and Drawing major, San Francisco Art Institute [San Francisco}
1980: Photography period began—Art photography and headshots of entertainers [San Francisco]
1985–1990: Studied Theater Set Design at San Francisco State University (SFSU) [San Francisco]
1986: Scenic painter for Every Moment / The Island, Eureka Theater [San Francisco]
1986: Assistant Lighting Designer for Aunt Dan and Lemon, Magic Theater [San Francisco]
1987: SFSU Players Club Award for Best Set Design (Endgame by Samuel Beckett) [San Francisco]
1987-1988: SFSU Book Award for Set Design (Endgame by Beckett & The Happy Hunter by Feydeau) [San Francisco]
1986–88: Organized and photographed theatrical art collection for Imago; created Imago's brochure [San Francisco]
1987–89: Scenic Painter at SFSU [San Francisco]
1993–1996: Immersive painting period [Guadalajara, Mexico]
1994: Group exhibition [Guadalajara, Mexico]
1995: Solo exhibition [Guadalajara, Mexico]

1996–Present: Painting exhibitions in the U. S. [San Francisco, Cincinnati, Washington DC, etc.]
2000–2002: Painting and exhibiting in France

​
EDUCATION:
San Francisco State University, San Francisco CA: 
            B.A., Theater Tech, 1990, summa cum laude
San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco CA: 

            Painting and Drawing Studies, 1979-1980
Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico: 
            Spanish Language and Mexican Cultural Studies, 1991–1994


PAINTINGS IN COLLECTIONS:
USA
San Francisco CA         Los Angeles CA          Alameda CA                Richmond CA
Petaluma CA                 Aliso Viejo, CA            Vallejo CA                 
Oakland CA
Cincinnati OH              Yellow Springs OH      Villa Hills KY              Ft. Thomas KY
LaPorte CO                    
Livermore CO              Seattle WA                  Orlando FL
Alexandria VA              St. John USVI               St. Croix USVI              
                                                                      
EUROPE  
Paris, France                Seillans, France           Fayence, France         Callian, France
Annecy, France             London, UK                   Oxshott, UK                 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Madrid, Spain           
 
LATIN AMERICA
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico            Melaque, Jalisco, Mexico          
Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
© 1976-2025 Thomas Rush. All rights reserved.
  • Paintings
    • Recent Paintings
    • Selected Paintings
    • Still Life Series 2019–2025
    • ​Paintings 2015–2019
    • Harmony in Chaos Period 2006–2013
    • SF/Bolinas 2003–2006
    • France 2000–2002
    • Guadalajara Period 1991–1996
    • Some Early Paintings
  • Photography
  • On Making Art
  • About the Artist
  • Contact