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.

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

Complementing paintings in collections world wide. He is now sharing a studio with two ladies.