Artist Spotlight: Charles McHugh

Professional Artist Charles McHugh spent just over 37 years in the Royal Air Force flying helicopters; a dream come true after a childhood in which aeroplanes were the only interest that he embraced.

He was a Glider Pilot at age 16 and joined the RAF just shy of his 18th birthday. His natural ability to draw and paint was recognised and nurtured at Grammar School but in a free spirited or reproduction way using poster paint, and technique was never taught; meaning that his artistic creation skills are all self taught over decades.

In 1980 he found himself based in Germany where he embraced the advice of an established Artist to purchase good quality oil paints and study methodology and technique which he did and soon he had a self-sustaining hobby as his work sold for modest sums. It is said that practise makes perfect and whilst Charles firmly believes that, he is also an advocate of continual development and believes that Artistic education takes a lifetime of learning despite information being readily available in books and on the internet.

Charles has long since embraced the concept of the Golden Ratio in all aspects of his work; and also that good quality oil paints and products are fundamental to achieving quality oil paintings with assured longevity. The best is often, but not always, the most expensive – and many years ago he discovered Rosemary & Co paintbrushes; and has used the same exclusively ever since.

Whilst he owns a wide range of brushes for different tasks, his go-to brush are small size Series 98 with their triangular shafts. He paints using an inclined drawing board and having a brush that does not roll away is advantageous – having one that is resistant to the brutal blending process is even more important. The brushes have a short life but much longer than the competition.