Cornish

Derrick Hughes' first exhibition was at the age of seven, at the junior school of the Royal Academy, where he was awarded a First Class Certificate of Merit. More Academy Awards followed over the next three years.

Upon leaving school, Derrick carried on painting, developing self-taught skills and became known in the Home Counties as a landscape and portrait painter as well as a good all rounder. He exhibited with the Marine Society at the Royal Exchange and mixed with famous artists of that time; Augustus John and Jack Merriott.

Derrick had a studio in a canal boat in Knowle. His landscapes attracted the owner of the Caneletto Gallery, from which he had six one man shows; three of which were a complete sell-out. He held regular one man shows there. This became so popular that Derrick set up a permanent studio in Henley, Arden. This attracted the attention of the television scouts, and Derrick became the subjet of a TV programme. The resultant demand for his work was increased by his portrait painting, and unusually, a commission to draw a hip operation.

Derrick joined the Ludlow Art Society, chaired by R F Spencer-Ford, the well known painter. Derrick was then invited to join the Teme group of painters, with whom he had further successes.

His interest in marine painting caused a move to Fowey, Cornwall, over twenty years ago, and where Derrick is currently enjoying a successful career as a Marine, Landscape and Portrait Painter. More recently he illustrated a children's book - one for the RNLI.

All this together with exhibiting in major South West Exhibitions and winning a coveted Blue Riband for work of Outstanding Artistic Merit at the Three Spires Exhibition.

Lately his paintings have been made into limited edition prints and fine art greeting cards.