About Steve and WOW Studio + Gallery

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Steve McHugh, a contemportary abstract artist, began his journey in the unassuming city of Appleton, Wisconsin. This small town, surrounded by the hum of paper mills and factories, played a pivotal role in shaping McHugh's early years. His father, employed by one such mill, often brought home large sheets of paper and an array of artistic tools such as paint, crayons, scissors, and glue. This generous access to raw materials fostered a creative spirit in McHugh, who grew up without ever laying eyes on a coloring book. 

By the time McHugh reached second grade, he had already begun to embrace his artistic inclinations, even if it meant bucking convention. In the strict halls of a Catholic school, he faced the ire of the nuns, unable to comprehend his inability or rather, refusal, to color within the rigid lines. It was then he knew he would devote his life to the abstract, where lines were mere suggestions and boundaries, nonexistent.

McHugh's artistic journey continued as he pursued formal education at the prestigious Layton School of Art in Milwaukee. Expanding his repertoire, he later relocated to Santa Barbara, graduating from the Brooks Institute of Photography. His career trajectory soon led him to establish studios in Minneapolis and Chicago, crafting advertising images for major Fortune 500 companies. His work took him around the globe, creating imagery that resonated with audiences far and wide. Despite the allure of commercial success, McHugh's yearning to capture more than just realism eventually compelled him back to painting, where he sought to arrest the essence and emotion of landscapes rather than their mere likeness.

Today, McHugh finds solace and endless inspiration on Madeline Island. The moment he disembarked from the ferry, he knew he had arrived at his spiritual home. The island is more than just a residence; it's the fertile ground where his imagination takes root and flourishes, unrestrained by client briefs or art directors. Here, McHugh's creative process unfolds with organic spontaneity. His art begins with a sketch, only to evolve with each stroke, progressing in a meditative dance of layers and marks until a piece reveals itself.

The influences that shape McHugh's evolving artistry are a testament to his reverence for abstract expressionists. Giants like Rothko, Pollock, and Helen Frankenthaler echo in his dynamic compositions, while the minimalistic boldness of Franz Kline and the contemporary prowess of Gerhard Richter inform his diverse techniques. Drawing from their legacies, McHugh has crafted a unique voice that is unmistakably his own.

Throughout his career, McHugh has been represented in a select number of galleries, with his primary exhibition space and point of sale being the WOW Studio + Gallery on Madeline Island. His work continues to be celebrated by collectors, who find a profound connection with his paintings, choosing to make them a part of their everyday lives.

While McHugh dedicates himself entirely to his art, it's clear that his creations are more than just a profession—they are his life's calling. He believes deeply in art's role within society, as a medium through which we explore our values and beliefs. McHugh's paintings are emblems of his environment, travels, and life experiences, continuously evolving and providing a bridge between his inner world and our collective human experience. 

Tucked away on the tranquil shores of Madeline Island, this woodland creative retreat for artist Steve McHugh exudes a charmingly folksy and welcoming atmosphere. This remote paradise, set within the embrace of Lake Superior's cold, clear waters, (a.k.a Gichigami) offers a serene escape into the heart of nature. 

The studio itself nestles among the dense woodlands, where towering trees stand as silent sentinels, their leaves whispering ancient secrets to those who venture beneath their canopy. A kaleidoscope of textures and colors permeates the environment, each element crafted by nature’s artistry. The forest floor is carpeted with a rich tapestry of greenery, while the scent of pine mingles with the crisp, refreshing air. The rhythmic sound of lake waters gently lapping the shoreline provides a soothing soundtrack to the creative endeavors within.

Madeline Island’s thriving wilderness doesn't just serve as a backdrop, but as an integral part of their artist retreat's essence. It is a source of endless inspiration for McHugh, where the interplay of textures—the roughness of tree bark, the softness of moss, and the fluidity of water—provides a tactile feast for the senses. During every season, the landscape undergoes a magnificent transformation, its colors shifting with the changing weather—from the verdant greens of spring and summer to autumnal reds and ochres, and finally the pristine whites of winter snow.

In this idyllic setting, the connection between nature and creativity is palpable. The natural world not only inspires the art that emerges from the studio but also nourishes the soul, fostering a profound sense of peace and clarity. Within this harmonious retreat, creativity flourishes, each brushstroke guided by the creative spirit that infuses the lush surroundings. "This woodland retreat draws me into a dance with nature, inviting this old guy to explore the depths of my imagination, inspired by the verdant beauty that envelops me and all that visit."