Being dyslexic and growing up in the 1950’s and 60’s, Stevenjohn McHugh faced some early challenges. Creating art and spending time exploring the woods and river near where he lived in Appleton, Wisconsin, was his refuge. In high school the art department was his sanctuary, and going to Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, and Brooks Institute of Photography in the 70’s, helped develop in him the skills necessary for a fulfilling life creating images.

Following a move to Minneapolis, MN, he spent 30+ years creating problem solving visuals for Fortune 500 Companies. Then something happened that changed his life’s direction. In 2006, a creative project drew him to a small Island off Bayfield, Wisconsin situated along the south shore of Lake Superior, Madeline Island. Getting on the ferry and gliding over pure blue waters, leaving the busy corporate world behind, he felt instantly at home and three days later bought a cabin nestled in the woods.

This dramatic change of location stimulated a transformation in Steve. It opened a new chapter in his life’s direction and is how he intends to spend his remaining days. Living among lush forest subject matter and his perspective of distant horizons along with dramatic color changes, it has created a visual language and has compelled him to return to painting as in his early days in Milwaukee.