Michael W Huggins's Page

I was making a list of reasons why I enjoy painting the other day for my artists statement and that list suddenly turned into an essay. I thought I would share it.


I paint because...

I find it therapeutic.

I like the feeling I get when I'm creating something.

It makes me happy.

I get a sense of accomplishment when I finish a painting, stand back, and it puts a smile on my face.

I enjoy hearing the reactions from friends, family and strangers when they view my work...good and bad.

I enjoy trying new techniques and styles.

I enjoy the journey I'm on trying to find who I am as a painter.

I realize my happiest days are those that end with me scrubbing paint off my hands.



The first time I ever painted I was eight. My childhood friends and I took art lessons one summer from a lady in the neighborhood. I am certain this is where my desire to create things came from. It's funny because I've often thought about the things she taught us and realize what a gift she was. Unfortunately after that summer I only took one other art class in high school as my interests had turned towards music. Although I never pursued art as an adult, I never lost an appreciation for it.

I lived in Santa Fe, NM in the early 90's and loved being surrounded by all the wonderful galleries there. The creative energy in that city is palpable. On my days off I spent hours wondering through the galleries on Canyon Road in complete awe and was so inspired by all that I saw. Living in such an artistic environment filled me with an enormous amount of inspiration, however, life got in the way and I didn't find the time to allow my creative soul to breathe.

Thirteen years later, while on vacation with my partner and friends in Maui, I walked into a gallery and was immediately mesmerized by a painting sitting on an easel at the entrance. The colors and shapes drew me in and I had this urgent desire to buy a canvas and some paints and attempt recreating this amazing painting. However, again life got in the way and I wasn't able to fulfill that desire for another 18 months.

My partner's thirtieth birthday was fast approaching and I was at a complete loss for what to get him. Since it was a milestone birthday I wanted to give him something very special, something from the heart. It occurred to me that nothing could be more special than something I created from the heart. Since he showed a great deal of interest in that painting in the gallery as well, I knew if I captured the style of it without making an exact copy of it, then he would appreciate it...if for no other reason than my valiant effort! I made the decision to buy my supplies secretly in case my project was a complete disaster. No one would ever have to know! Besides, everyone loves a gift card from Nordstrom's!

I painted for two to three hours every day after work for six weeks. That time became my private therapy session. From the moment I placed the blank canvas on the easel, I knew I was going to enjoy the artistic journey I was embarking upon. Every day when I climbed the stairs to the attic, hiding my creation, I was filled with joy and excitement in anticipation for my next "session". I was like a child with a new toy putting it away for the evening. When I painted the last brush stroke and stood back to view my "little secret", I was overcome with joy, pride and an enormous sense of accomplishment. I couldn't wait to show him what I created.

Fortunately he was extremely surprised and loves the painting. It now hangs in our home and I still have a great deal of pride when I see it, but also have a great amount of gratitude for it bringing art back into my life. The paint hadn't completely dried on it before I was starting my next painting and I haven't stopped since.
My goal is to paint every day after work to unwind and I try to devote at least eight hours one day a week in our once rarely used game room - my new home studio!

Reflecting over the last year of this artistic journey I have come to realize I see art in everything around me. I am constantly inspired by my surroundings for my next painting and with each one I still get that childish excitement of the "new toy". I will continue to paint as long as I have this sense of pleasure and enjoyment.

I have been fortunate and feel honored that people appreciate my work enough to purchase it (that's definitely a bonus), but nothing is more gratifying than the joy of what creating has brought into my life.