A Muse is defined as, “a person or personified force who is the source of inspiration for a creative artist” At many events I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in, I’m often asked who the woman is that I’m with and my response is, quite often, my “Muse”. My path in life has been nothing less than turbulent. During my Law Enforcement years, one psychologist, I was required to see, identified me as a “Paradox”. This woman, my wife Diana, has stood by my side through it all and has always encouraged me to return to who I am at my core, an Artist. How could any person who identifies themselves as an “Artist” not paint the most important aspect of their creativity. My “Muse” had to be painted.
An original painting acrylic on canvas, 30″x40″
Artist Rudy Vargas
Portrait of French Artist William Bouguereau
In this piece, I wanted to give tribute to an artist of the past who has given me personal inspiration to pursue perfection beyond any criticism. I consider him one of the last of the classical romantic painters staying true to a realistic genre.
He lived 1825 to 1905 in France. Although receiving many official honors he was strongly criticized and ridiculed by the Impressionist artists and art critics of the time.
An original painting acrylic on canvas, 30″x40″
Artist Rudy Vargas
The inspiration for this piece came about while working as a Police Officer for the Visalia Police Department. In the mid 1990’s, Visalia was plagued with multiple shotgun armed robberies. My partner and I were assigned to a stakeout at Santa Fe Liquor in an attempt to intercept a robbery. While on stakeout for a few days and after many hours of surveillance, the place grew on me. She spoke to me with her beautiful lines and overt character. She had to be painted. I began painting her in the mid 1990’s and continued to work on her to completion in February 2025.
She no longer stands as brick and timber but lives on in paint and canvas.
An original painting acrylic on canvas, 30″x40″
Artist Rudy Vargas
This piece was inspired by my love of the San Joaquin Valley. Born and raised in the valley, I considered my myself a loyalist to this valley of the great State of California. In this piece, I set out to create the place of my roots. Initially, I wanted a majestic valley Oak as the main character overlooking the eastern valley. However, as I got into this piece, I found myself with an overwhelming desire to be there. So, I went to where I always want to be. The painting depicts the eastern valley at sunrise. And on many occasions, with no apologies, I’ve found myself having a beer in the morning as many others do here in the Valley.
An original painting acrylic on canvas, 36″x48″
Artist Rudy Vargas
A group of retired Police Officers surprise Rudy by showing up at an art event. These cops worked the streets with Rudy for many years. Their support is much appriciated.
This painting features Rahn Yanes, one of the world’s most skilled classical bassist. He is my cousin. Growing up, I spent many a summer at his house. I was always amazed at his dedication to practice his skills at an early age. He introduced me to classical music, and I learned the value of his dedication and applied it to my pursuits as well. I am forever thankful for what he brings to the world.
Original painting acrylic on canvas, 30″x40″
Artist Rudy Vargas
In this piece, I set out to create a vision of a woman who is visibly of humble means and physically exhibits many years of a challenging life. Yet, at her age, she is all dressed up and ready to go to the “remate” or “swap meet”. That woman was my grandmother “Belen”. She was a woman who exemplified “Enduring Perseverance”.
Only her family would truly know and understand the struggles she endured. Although a life often filled with cruelty, when she cared for me, she always surrounded me with love and affection. I’m sure there are many women in the world who are just like her. This painting is a tribute to all women who find a way to endure under the harshest conditions.
Original painting acrylic on canvas, 30″40″
Artist Rudy Vargas
Adelita comes from “Adela Velarde Perez”, a young woman from Chihuahua who became a symbol of female participation in the Mexican Revolution. Her bravery and dedication inspired a famous corrido “La Adelita” which celebrated the courage and beauty of women in the revolutionary army. Many fought on the front lines, often while pregnant or carrying children on their backs.
At the time I was brainstorming for a vision of this piece, my wife and I got into a heated argument over I don’t remember what. However, she really laid into to me with finger pointing and loads of attitude. That fighting spirit of the Latina woman was on full display. She suddenly became the muse and vision for this piece.
An original painting acrylic on canvas 24″x36″
Artist Rudy Vargas
Throughout the time I’ve spent with my wife and the Salazar family of Lindsay,
California, one visual fact has always stood out to me. All the women sport a common physical feature. This painting is a tribute to that distinctive physical feature. The piece spotlights my daughter, wife, her cousin, sister and niece.
An original painting, acrylic on canvas, 16″x20″
Artist Rudy Vargas
These men grew up with Rudy as far back as 1st grade elementary school. They surprised Rudy with their presence at one of his shows. It was a great show and even better when these cats showed up.
This piece was inspired by a revival or renewed interest in the right of our freedoms which you are born with and should not give up. In this piece, I set out to create a “Curandera”, a female healer, who utilizes her healing powers to nurture and restore harmony between the body, mind and spirit of the unalienable rights of freedom.
An original painting acrylic on canvas, 30″x40″
Artist Rudy Vargas
Portrait of Mexico City artists, Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo
This painting features two artists who were known for their passionate and controversial relationship throughout the 1920s, 30s and 40s. And regardless of their Marxist political views and controversial marriage, the two were able to create an artistic legacy that holds strong around the world today.
Original painting acrylic on canvas, 30″x40″
Artist Rudy Vargas
The Greek philosophy “Stoicism” provides timeless tools and principles for life in accordance with nature. Stoics elaborated on a detailed classification of virtue. Virtue is divided into four main types: wisdom, justice, courage and temperance/moderation or “self-restraint”. The painting “Libra Statum” specifically addresses the virtue of temperance. The title translates to “State of Balance”. Stoics believe, too much or too little of most everything is not good for a happy fulfilling life. A state of balance must be achieved. In the painting, the woman signifies nature who sits upon the thrown of all things present in the world. The fruit signifies what nature provides for life. The compass reflects a chosen direction as you maneuver through life, and the carpet signifies the power of nature’s reproduction. The globes on the armrests reflect the human struggle between science and religion. Put it all together and you have a visual interpretation of the Stoic virtue “temperance”.
An original painting acrylic on canvas, 36″x48″
Artist Rudy Vargas
Rudy Vargas Copyright 1999
Rudy Vargas Studio 