Steve McHugh 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 intriguingly 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.