Early Life and Inspirations
Born in 1959, Steven Hughes was nurtured in the picturesque village of Llysfaen, nestled in the rolling hills of North Wales. The serene beauty of his surroundings became his first muse, inspiring the young artist to capture the sweeping landscapes in sketch and paint. By the tender age of ten, Steven’s burgeoning talent was already recognized when he won his first art competition, a testament to the future that lay ahead.
Formal Training and Early Success
In 1975, Steven embarked on a formal artistic journey at Wrexham Art College, where he was mentored by the distinguished Welsh artist, Keith Bowen. Immersed in a world of creativity, Steven excelled in his studies, earning distinctions in Graphic Design and Illustration. His skill and promise were quickly acknowledged; within a week of his graduation, his portrait of Lady Diana was prominently featured in a double-page spread in Woman’s Realm, marking the beginning of a flourishing career.
London: The Illustrator’s Chapter
Steven’s move to London in 1981 signaled a period of prolific output as an illustrator. Working alongside one of Britain’s leading illustrators, Mike Vaughan, Steven lent his talents to an impressive roster of clients, including BBC Publications, Readers Digest, Collins Books, and many more. His work graced the pages of prominent publications such as the Daily Mail and Sunday Telegraph, and he even took on high-profile projects like a BP Calendar and a film poster for A Christmas Carol. This period of intense commercial work, though successful, gradually led Steven to question the direction of his artistic path.
Return to North Wales: A New Artistic Chapter
Disillusioned with the commercial constraints of illustration, Steven returned to his roots in Caernarfon, North Wales, in 1985. Here, surrounded by like-minded artists such as David Williams and Gwyn Hughes, he rediscovered his passion for painting. Deeply influenced by the luminous works of the French Impressionists and the Newlyn School, Steven began to experiment with oils, captivated by the interplay of light and color along the Welsh coastline. His paintings, often depicting his children at play by the sea, resonated with a wide audience and were soon being sold in local galleries and prestigious auction houses like Bonhams, Christie’s, and Sotheby’s.
Establishing a Gallery and a Legacy
In 1990, Steven took a bold step by opening his own gallery in Felinheli. This venture allowed him greater control over his artistic output and the opportunity to publish and market his own limited edition prints and greeting cards. His work continued to gain acclaim, attracting attention both domestically and internationally, with his giclée prints and original paintings finding homes across Britain, the USA, and the Algarve.
Recognition and Continued Success
Steven’s reputation grew steadily, with his works being exhibited in renowned venues like Harrods of Knightsbridge and even selected to adorn Tony Blair’s office during a European Summit in Cardiff. His painting of “Porth Dafarch” achieved significant recognition, securing the second-highest bid at a 2004 charity auction, just behind a piece by the celebrated Sir Kyffin Williams.
8, King Street