Art Review by Les Overlock
Special to the Herald

You don’t have to go to San Francisco to see top-level art. Just stop by Milinda Perry Salon on East F Street in Benicia to see the work of Terry Hughes.
In his former life, Terry taught art (pottery) in schools, and the vast background of working with form has translated into Terry’s use of form and texture in painting and drawing.
The show currently at the salon is divided into framed sketches of pastel, where Terry has honed his eye on the human form over the past 15 years. He sketches every week in Crockett at a studio group with live models, where others can influence his direction.
But Terry’s direction clearly has evolved from the small piece onto large canvas. The bulk of this work is titled “Out of Mind.” There are seven large canvasses which are all figures in oil which are lacquered. Because these paintings are an evolution into the abstract form, being out of mind is an advantage. Don’t stay within the lines.
Terry is influenced by all the California figurative giants, headed up by Manuel Neri who resides in Benicia. The influence is substantial, but what is impressive is the Hughes touch.
Terry is facile with the color charts, so he manages to have his forms surrounded by an abstraction of complementary colors. The figures are standing and on the whole not gender identified. There are hints of fingers and hearts and sometimes feathers.
The first two paintings splash us into pure abstract strokes of the brush. One of his best is No. 3, which renders the subject more traditional, but the use of blue in various shades is stunning.
Overall, in viewing the work of Terry Hughes, you are looking at an artist prospect knocking on the door of the major leagues. It is probably wise to catch him before he knows fame.

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