Story and photos
by Callie Sterling 

Breezy Hughes of Conway began truly exploring painting a little over a year ago; but her art tells another story. The level of talent that Hughes demonstrates in her paintings is something that is difficult to teach, and stems from a true God-given talent.  

“I truly believe that this creative outlet was a gift from God,” Hughes said. 

Her art seemingly happened by chance; something she simply felt led to do. Although Hughes is a 2001 graduate of Hendrix College, she did not pursue a degree in art. 

“I am a self-taught artist,” Hughes said. “I’ve only had a couple of beginning drawing classes in high school and one at Hendrix. Toward the end of 2016, I started painting murals on the walls inside my house. I enjoyed it so much that in early 2017, I decided to try painting on canvases.”

In the beginning of her art experimentation, Hughes attempted painting the way many people would attempt to paint, with a paintbrush. Later, she developed a unique style.  

“I ordered my supplies and attempted to paint with absolutely no knowledge of how to use a paintbrush,” Hughes said. “It did not turn out so well, so I decided to start experimenting with the paint.”

Her method is a simplistic, yet strategic technique; she uses only a straw and a paperclip to manipulate where she wants the paint to go on the canvas. 

“I began by pouring the paint and tilting the canvas which created really beautiful swirls of paint,” Hughes said. “I realized that if I could control the paint more effectively, it could really make something visually intriguing; so I pulled out a straw from the kitchen cabinet and used it to blow and direct the pain where I wanted it to go. I call this method ‘BREATHE.’”

In addition to using a straw, Hughes has found that integrating the use of a paperclip into her work helps her create the small, intricate details. 

“I now also paint with the tip of a paperclip, which I use for any required fine detail work, especially the fine details needed to create portraits,” Hughes said. 

Hughes paints original works and she also has begun painting portraits. When painting portraits, she creates an original painting on canvas, using the original photograph as her inspiration. 

“I have recently found a new passion for painting portraits,” Hughes said. “It is a fulfilling experience to recreate a special moment in someone’s life by turning their photo into a timeless work of art.  I love, love, and painting portraits feels like painting love.”

Hughes views her art as a gift, not only to those who have her paintings hung in their homes, but a gift to herself. 

“For the last 13-plus years, I have dedicated my life to working from home and raising my three beautiful boys,” Hughes said. “As any parent knows, life as a working parent is busy and demanding, and there isn’t always time to dedicate to taking the best care of ourselves and making time for the things that feed our soul.”

Hughes found exactly what her heart desired – art.  

“This new-found love of painting was an avenue that allowed me to pursue some time dedicated to me,” Hughes said. “From the beginning, I felt like this gift was to be used to bring beauty into the lives of others.”

Hughes feels fulfilled by putting her art out into the world. She simultaneously has been able to connect her art with her sons, and use it as a parenting technique. Hughes views her art as a way to inspire her children; encouraging them to chase dreams. 

“My favorite thing about painting is that it allows me to use a gift that God has blessed me with to add beauty to the world around me,” Hughes said. “It allows me to dedicate time to doing something I truly enjoy, and it also serves as a way to inspire my boys to pursue their dreams and their passions. I believe everyone is gifted and that life is more fulfilling when we are able to seek out and identify those gifts.” 

Above all, Hughes hopes to impact recipients of her work in an amazing way. She hopes to ignite something in the hearts of those who become the new owners of her artwork.  

“My favorite pieces are those that stir emotion and touch the heart,” Hughes said. “I recently did a commissioned painting called ‘When We Play Together Again,’ which by far is my favorite piece. The story behind the painting is heartfelt and very emotional.  It is the vision of one mother’s dream, who had lost her oldest son at a young age.”

When creating this piece, Hughes felt God working through her to convey His message of love. 

“The piece, ‘When We Play Together Again,’ depicts her prayer for the day that all five of her sons will play together again,” Hughes said. “Creating this vision connected me to God, as it allowed me to use the gift He has given me in the way I feel it is truly intended.” 

Hughes enjoys giving her clients the opportunity to see the process in which she creates her paintings; she accomplishes this by making videos. The videos can be emotional to watch, depicting all of the time and love she devotes to each piece.  

The video Hughes created for the making of “When We Play Together Again” can be viewed at BreathebyBreezy.com. To contact Hughes for more information about commissioning a painting, or to purchase one of her current works, contact her at [email protected] or visit breathebybreezy.com. 

“As a surprise, I made a time-lapse video of the painting set to a song that the mother had told me made her think of her son,” Hughes said. “She chose, ‘I Can Only Imagine’ by Mercy Me. Sharing the video and presenting this piece to this mother, and all four of her boys, was an incredibly emotional experience that I will treasure forever.”