For Lynne Hughes, a self-taught artist, painting is about listening to the inner spirit of the image depicted. Born in Miami, Hughes began painting seven years ago. She favors watercolors because of the versatility this medium offers. The softness and contrast in colors achieved by manipulating the watercolors allows her to explore various textures and forms.

In Our Lacemaker, she captures her mother’s hands at work. "Lacemaking was an important part of my mother’s spirit," Hughes explains. This painting is Hughes’ way of honoring her mother, who can no longer make delicate lace. Her interest in figurative work motivates her to look for new characters for her paintings. She plans new work in the same style of Our Lacemaker where she can communicate the essence of each individual subject. The genuine qualities homeless people possess and the different emotions they inspire especially move her. To portray their inner being in a kindly way is now her greatest challenge.

Hughes has participated in several competitions and exhibitions in the last four years, and was recently awarded a signature membership to the Florida Watercolor Society. Besides her passion for painting, Hughes also enjoys playing the piano and porcelain dollmaking, activities that also fill her spirit with great satisfaction.

[artist biography by Ximena Cisneros; artist photograph by Angela Diedrich]
Lynne Hughes
Our Lacemaker, 1998, watercolor on paper