Rising Stars: Meet Michaela Hughes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaela Hughes. 

Hi Michaela, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My interest in art started at a young age, I would draw for fun and liked crafting. In school, I enjoyed art class and creating different projects. I took a small break from creating, but then, I started taking myself serious as an artist after graduating from Coastal Carolina University in 2019. My grandmother gifted me with her art supplies and encouraged me to continue painting. Michaela Hues Art was born. I starting teaching myself how to work with different painting techniques, how to use mediums in paint to achieve a variety of effects on the canvas, and how to use different tools. I came across fluid art painting and it piqued my interest. I then taught myself those methods, how to mix the paint and start a paint pour. I increased my appearance on social media and posted my artwork to show others what I was making. The reaction was a positive one, people seemed interested in my work, and I built a small following for myself online. After selling my artwork directly through social media, I’ve now opened up an online Etsy store (etsy.com/shop/MichaelaHuesArt) where my work can be purchased by anyone! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Overall, the road has been smooth. I’ve had my bumps and pot-holes in the road like most South Carolina roads do, but I can’t complain too much. The support I’ve received from my peers has been wonderful, and for that I am grateful. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I use acrylic paints to create different works of art. I paint in a variety of styles. I’ve painted animals, landscapes, abstracts, but the majority of my work consists of fluid art. This is where you take acrylic paint and mix it with a pouring medium and water to achieve a thinner, pourable paint. The paint is poured either directly onto the canvas, or you may choose to layer it in a cup first. This method of painting makes me the happiest; it is so freeing and relaxing. I am most proud of my progress and improvement from when I first began painting. I have improved my skills and learned so much over the years, it’s rewarding to look back at where I came from to where I am now. What sets me apart from others is that I will never settle to just putting out paintings in mass if I’m not feeling it. Each of my paintings I create, I have a good intention for. I put my all into each one to insure it lives up to my expectations, I set the bar high always. I’m very competitive with myself; I want to be better with each piece I make. 

What do you think about happiness?
I absolutely adore cats! I have four of my own: Kat, Link, Feisty, and Atticus. They make me very happy. If I can make someone laugh, that makes me happy. I’ve always been a joker and I enjoy seeing other people’s happiness, so if I can make them happy, then so am I. Positive relationships with family and friends make me happy too. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for them, so I’m thankful to have them in my life. 

Contact Info:

• Email: mmhughes.art@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MichaelaHuesArt
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaela.hues.art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaela.hues.art
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelahuesart
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Michaela.Hues.Art

Image Credits
Michaela Hughes