The Artistic Nature of Rick Espinoza

A Chicano artist from Pueblo creating detailed colored pencil art rooted in Indigenous culture

December 31, 2025

Hillary Locke Mujica,

Original artwork by Rick Espinoza Little Snow Feather

Born and raised in Pueblo, Rick Espinoza is a self-taught Chicano artist who creates stunning colored pencil works that celebrate the soul and strength of Indigenous cultures. Influenced early on by his older brother’s artistic talent and the natural environment along the Arkansas River, Espinoza began sketching animals and reptiles he encountered as a child—an experience that sparked a lifelong love for art.

Even with Espinoza’s talent, his father–a former paratrooper in World War II, Bronze Star recipient for bravery in battle, a retired firefighter, former boxer and bare-knuckle fighter with a fearsome reputation–was not interested in nurturing his innate artistic abilities when he was younger. “My father wanted me to be a football player or a boxer, so I wasn’t able to get art supplies,” Espinoza recalls.

Despite his father’s negativity, it didn’t stop Espinoza, who as a child, would break bricks into pieces, using the shards to draw on pavement. Before his dad passed, the two made peace – his father expressing that he was sorry, that he loved him and that him wanted me to the best artist I could be. “His healing words are always in my heart.”

Known for his distinctive layering technique, Espinoza’s work radiates depth, vibrancy and emotion. His pieces not only express a profound respect for Native American culture but also reflect a broader appreciation for the beauty found in everyday life and the people he meets along the way.

“I aim to honor the depth and resilience of Indigenous cultures and focus on the simple beauty of everyday life,” says Espinoza whose pieces are rich with soulful narratives and intricate detail.

Winning both first and second place in the drawing categories in the Colorado State Fair Fine Arts Gallery in 2022. Most recently, he won his first national competition in May as Artist of the Month by the Mezzanine Museum at the Klein Memorial Gallery in Bridgeport, Conn.

We caught up with the artist to gain more insights into his life and his artwork.

Original artwork by Rick Espinoza Yanasi

How and when did you discover your artistic abilities?

I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil. I’d sit next to my older brother Jim and copy what he was drawing. Growing up in Pueblo in the early- to mid-1970s, I would shine shoes on Union Avenue, mostly in the taverns when I was about 12 years old. In between, patrons would watch me draw on the sidewalks and ask me to draw their likenesses on napkins. I loved drawing animals back then as well. Frogs, snakes and turtles were abundant where we lived on the bluff above the Arkansas River. It was my escape. My beautiful world apart from the distress I’d experienced as a child. I’m a survivor.

How did you choose your colored pencils as your main medium?

I really got into drawing with colored pencils many years ago when a friend asked me to draw a picture of a buffalo covered in snow. I used to draw primarily with graphite pencils, but once I started drawing with colored pencils, I started getting better and I never looked back.

What has been the biggest challenge in your artistic journey?

I’d say my biggest challenge has been learning to market myself, and because of my past, knowing that I’m good enough. That I’m worthy, just like everyone else.

What inspires your work the most?

My daughter, Illeana, is my No. 1 inspiration. I never had enough confidence to enter my work in any show or venue until my daughter told me once while viewing a local exhibit, “Dad, you can do this. You are good enough!” It took my child to give me the confidence boost I sorely needed. My closest friend, Lezlie, whom I’ve known since middle school, is also a source of inspiration. She gives me ideas, writes my bios and inspires me. She is amazing and I love her.

How do your personal experiences show up in your work?

My personal experiences show in my artwork metaphorically through the strength and confidence of the American cowboy and cowgirl and the Indigenous peoples—everything I admired and perceived that I lacked as a child.

Do you plan your pieces in advance, or do they evolve as you create them?

Most of the time I plan my portraits in advance. I delve deeply into what I want others to experience from my drawings, what I’m trying to convey and what I’m trying to make others see and feel. My ADHD allows me to be hyper-focused.

Are there particular artists or movements that influence you?

I’ve admired 17th– century Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer. His masterful use of light and shadow is mind-blowing.

Is there a piece you’ve made that feels especially meaningful to you?

My favorite is a drawing I did a few years ago, “Simple Man.” The subject is a long-time friend from high school, and he is from the Apache and Southern Cheyenne nations. I love drawing the Indigenous people and Western art, cowboys and cowgirls. I love the romanticism and strength they convey.

What are your goals as an artist in the next few years?

To honor the Creator through my works, and to evolve as an artist. My goal is to exhibit my works in more galleries and shows in order to create more financial stability and reach a broader audience.

How do you hope people feel when they see your art?

I hope they can feel the emotions of my subjects and appreciate the detail. I hope to convey emotion and beauty.

Original artwork by Rick Espinoza Ruler of The Autumn Sun