In the world of art, few artists can claim to have blended technical precision with restless experimentation as seamlessly as Primary Hughes. As a professor and artist, Hughes has built a reputation for capturing a world that hums with emotion through his bold use of acrylics and love of plein-air painting. His art is not just a reflection of the world around him, but also a deeply personal expression of what he feels. A natural blend of technical skill and creative experimentation, Hughes’ approach to art-making is a true reflection of his multifaceted personality. Whether he’s working on a commissioned portrait or a personal piece, Hughes is always chasing new ways to express what words can’t quite reach. In this conversation, Hughes shares his inspirations, challenges, and the importance of painting with intention. From his early days as a student at Kent State University to his current role as a professor and artist, Hughes has always been driven by a passion for art and a desire to explore the human experience.

Where did your artistic journey start?

As a child, Hughes was fascinated by art, often spending hours sketching and painting. He credits his love of art to his parents, who encouraged his creativity from a young age. Hughes also drew inspiration from other artists, including Bob Ross, who taught him the basics of painting and drawing.

What’s your main inspiration?

For Hughes, inspiration comes from a variety of sources. He is drawn to the natural world, finding beauty in the way light interacts with the human form. He is also fascinated by the human experience, exploring themes of identity, beauty, and transformation through his art.

• Floral elements: Hughes often incorporates floral elements into his portraits, using them to represent the beauty and fragility of human life.
• Abstract elements: He also uses abstract elements to convey emotions and ideas, often blending them with realistic depictions of the human form.
• The human experience: Through his art, Hughes aims to capture the complexities and nuances of human emotion, exploring themes of identity, beauty, and transformation.

Is making a living as an artist all you thought it would be?

Hughes’ journey as an artist has not been without its challenges. While he has been fortunate enough to have a successful career, he acknowledges that making a living as an artist can be uncertain and demanding. He has had to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the art world, adapting to new technologies and trends while staying true to his artistic vision.

What advice would you most appreciate for starting artists?

If Hughes were starting out as an artist today, he would advise them to be patient and persistent. He believes that every bad drawing or piece of art is an opportunity to learn and grow, and that the journey to becoming a great artist is long and winding.

• Don’t worry about being perfect: Hughes emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection and learning from mistakes.
• Keep laying bricks: He encourages artists to keep creating, even when faced with rejection or criticism.
• Be open to new experiences: Hughes believes that artists should be willing to take risks and try new things, even if it means stepping outside their comfort zone.

Are there any challenges working traditionally over digitally?

For Hughes, working traditionally has its advantages. He appreciates the tactile nature of working with paint and the sense of presence that comes with it. However, he also acknowledges that traditional media can be challenging, particularly when it comes to undoing mistakes.

Do you stick to a single medium?

Hughes is a versatile artist, working in a variety of mediums to achieve different effects. He often switches between acrylics, oils, and pastels, depending on the subject matter and the desired outcome.

Do you have a passion project?

Hughes has a long-standing passion for plein-air painting, which has led to the creation of over 150 oil paintings of Presque Isle Park, a rugged stretch of Lake Superior coastline in Michigan. He finds inspiration in the natural world, using the changing light and colors of the landscape to inform his art.

Why is Presque Isle so important to you?

For Hughes, Presque Isle holds a special place in his heart. He has spent countless hours painting the park, capturing the beauty and complexity of the landscape. He finds solace in the natural world, using the park as a source of inspiration and comfort.

• The changing light: Hughes is drawn to the way the light changes throughout the day, casting new shadows and highlighting new textures.
• The colors of the landscape: He is fascinated by the vibrant colors of the park, from the greens of the trees to the blues of the lake.
• The sense of place: Hughes finds that painting Presque Isle allows him to connect with the land and the people who inhabit it.

Conclusion

As we conclude our conversation with Primary Hughes, it is clear that his passion for art is driven by a desire to explore the human experience. Through his bold use of acrylics and love of plein-air painting, Hughes has created a body of work that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Whether he’s working on a commissioned portrait or a personal piece, Hughes is always chasing new ways to express what words can’t quite reach.