Coonamble-raised veterinarian Jill Kelly began painting during a drought in 2015.

At the time, the soft water colours were an escape from a drab brown world inhabited by skinny animals and sad farmers. 

The drought passed, but Jill continued to paint and her artist alter ego 'Miss Vet' is powering on.

Last week, ten of her works went on display at the Outback Arts Centre for the 'This Ain't Texas' group exhibition, which made its official opening on Friday 8 November.

"It's just a celebration of cowgirl culture, but done the Australian way," Jill said.

"It doesn't matter whether you're in love with the horses or the cowboys or the land or you're raising the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls- there's something in here that represents every bit of what each artist does.

"I love my job as a vet, where I am knee deep - or elbows deep - in an animal carcass, but I also love putting on a tutu and some lipstick and going out in the town as well."

Jillian Kelly, Anna Kennedy and Jamie Lea Trindall at the opening of This Ain't Texas. IMAGE: Coonamble Times/River McCrossen

Over 30 people came to the exhibition opening which involved five artists including Gilgandra's Melissa Kelly and Amy Naef, along with Anna Kennedy, Jamie-Lea Trindall and Jill Kelly from Coonamble.

Apart from providing a fresh focus for their artwork and those who view them, the exhibition celebrates the unique perspectives of rural female artists.

Work on most of the art began within the last three months, some of made of clay, others of ink, pastel and paint.

Some works you can look at, others you can drink from.

For Jamie-Lea, also the Director of Outback Arts, it was her first time exhibiting in the space she manages.

"We just really wanted to have fun and make some artworks that are true to ourselves and true to our community," Jamie-Lea said.

"Cowboy artwork has become quite trendy in the last 12 months or more and this is a really nice way of bringing together a group of artists that were already making works inspired by our place, the lifestyle that they have here."

The exhibition runs until 20 December.