Back in 1969, when Lester Hughes quit his job as a business supply salesman to
become a full time artist, he never dreamed that one day his paintings would hang in the
White House. Seven years later, however, this artists' dream came true, when one of his
works was presented to President-elect, Ronald Reagan during a 1976 campaign stop in
Hughes' home town of El Paso, Texas. According to "Time" magazine that
particular painting, a 24" x 36" oil featuring a Southwestern landscape with a
dilapidated windmill and old shack, and several of Hughes' other works did hang in the
presidential mansion during Reagan's tenure in office. Over the years, Reagan continued to
be so enamoured with Hughes' paintings that he purchased at least dozen more.
Success has not changed Hughes' personality. Looking at his simple life-style, it is
difficult to imagine that he numbers a bevy of Congressmen and Senators, and numerous
other celebrities such as actress, Betty White, golfer Lee Trevino, and ex-Presidents
George Bush and Gerald Ford among the collectors of his work
Known as a prolific painter, Hughes has produced literally thousands of works during
the thirty plus years of his career. Self-taught, the artist began his learning process by
copying "Old World Masterpieces" out of art books. Once he had perfected his
style and technique, he turned his talents to producing richly imaginative landscapes.
These works are a celebration of the scenes Hughes finds in his own back yard, often
featuring the majestic beauty of the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces, New Mexico, and his
trademark rangy cowboys on horseback.
Hughes is a gregarious artist who loves to interact with the public who attends his
frequent shows. "I love the look on people's faces when they view my paintings".
He notes that it is this type of feedback, which encourages him to continue painting, and
most importantly just having fun with his art. Hughes not only enjoys creating art, but he
is also fond of encouraging others, especially young people, to consider a engaging in a
career which has brought him so much personal pleasure.
