Neal Hughes Artists Statement

Photo By Susan Naumann

Neal Hughes
Artist's Statement

I am an American realist painter.

I have studied and practiced traditional painting methods because I believe an artist must have a thorough knowledge of the basics such as drawing, color theory and painting technique in order to effectively express form which is the primary language of painting.

I work from life and observe nature as I work in an attempt to discover the relationship between beauty (which offers us a glimpse into the divine) and nature. I find great joy in discovering this relationship and in trying to interpret the beauty of nature and to transform it into art.

By observing nature and using my artistic abilities I try to establish an emotional connection to my subject that will also be experienced by the viewer and that will allow them to sense something larger than the object or scene before them.

I feel very blessed to be able to practice the art of painting and if I am successful my work will add something to the lives of those who experience it.

Background info:
I am a graduate of The Philadelphia College Of Art (University of the Arts) and currently reside in Moorestown , New Jersey . I also studied figure painting at the Fleischer Art Memorial school in Philadelphia. I am a member of the American Society of Marine Artists and Oil Painters of America. I paint with the Rancocas Valley Plein Air Painters and I paint the figure regularly with a group of artists that meet in my studio or other location.

Awards include the Maritime Gallery Yachting Award and an Award of Excellence at the prestigious International Marine Art Exhibition at the Gallery at Mystic Seaport.
Work has been accepted into many local and national juried exhibitions such as the ARC Salon and the Oil Painters Of America National and Regional Exhibitions. Also the grand prize winner of the Utrecht 60th Anniversary Art Competition, winning the top prize out of over 12,000 entries. Completed major commissions for the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team and The National Civil War Museum.

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