Edward John Hughes Art for Sale at Auction

Figure painter, Painter, Landscape painter, b. 1913 - d. 2006

(b North Vancouver, British Columbia, 1913; d Duncan, British Columbia, 2007) Canadian painter. Hughes attended the Vancouver School of Decorative and Applied Arts until 1935. After graduating, Hughes began a commercial art firm. Aside from designs and portraits, the firm received commissions for murals, one of which was included in the San Francisco World’s Fair in 1939. Upon joining the Army that same year, Hughes became an Official War Artist, serving until 1946. Group of Seven member Lawren Harris recommended Hughes for the Emily Carr Scholarship; in addition to Harris's support, Hughes received recognition from A.Y. Jackson and George Pepper, who nominated him to join the Canadian Group of Painters in 1948. That same year Hughes produced one of his most important early works, the powerful canvas entitled Qualicum Beach, with its dark palette, primitive style and sideways vantage point, acquired by Hart House at the University of Toronto. Hughes moved to Vancouver Island in 1951. In 1970, Hughes began to change his color palette; although he did not significantly lighten it until after 1974. By 1980, Hughes was receiving increasing recognition and in 1983, a retrospective exhibition organized by the Surrey Art Gallery traveled across the country to venues that included the National Gallery of Canada. Hughes turned his full attention to watercolor in 1991, as he found it difficult to stand at his easel for the long hours needed for his detailed canvases. In 2001 Hughes received the Order of Canada and in 2005 he was honored with the Order of British Columbia. (Credit: Heffel, Vancouver, Fall 2008 Live Auction, November 19, 2008, lot 14; Heffel, Vancouver, Live Auction, November 23, 2007, lot 173; Heffel, Vancouver, Live Auction – Canadian Post-War & Contemporary Art, June 17, 2009, lot 42; Heffel, Vancouver, Fine Canadian Art, May 22, 2008, lot 122)