I grew up in Tabor City, a small town in southeastern North Carolina, 33 miles from the coast. My rural public school offered no art instruction, so as a kid who loved to color and draw I had to create my own artist's path. Not encouraged to pursue art in college and seeking something more practical, I attended NC State's College of Design where I thrived in its unique, multi-faceted curriculum. There I expanded my appreciation and knowledge of the visual arts with studies in art history, drawing, photography and film. After graduation, I worked as a graphic designer for more than 25 years, with jobs in Durham, Michigan and Boston, including 17 years as owner of Hughes Design in Raleigh. Around 2003 I began taking workshops to learn oil painting and in 2007 retired from design to become a full-time artist.
The Raleigh area is my primary home but I also spend time at Sunset Beach, a cherished place from my childhood where I feel a strong connection. The beauty of this coastal region feeds my spirit as I walk the beach, kayak the marsh and watch the sky. Here and in nature I find inspiration for my landscape paintings — creating art is my a way of expressing love and respect for our earth.