What does everyone see in Adam Hughes

[MutantKeys]

Did my post in Comics General inspire you to start this thread? Like I said over there, I know what hot women look like, and AH does not draw them. There is some kind of mass delusion going on in the comic book/art world.

No, I usually skip your posts as they are too long

[comix4fun]

I find his Hughes' illos to be over-inflated blow-up dolls

 

Not a knock on Hughes.

 

I would love to see what a "knock" looks like then.

 

Adam is a LOT more than the little box of bubble blonds he is getting painted into..

 

Blow up Dolls...?

 

 

more over-inflated-ness

 

This one is almost pornographic.... in an Edward Hopper kinda way.

 

 

 

Frankly, if we expand this discussion beyong the "good girl" box that it has moved to and back to what Danny originally asked..."what's the big deal about Adam Hughes?" The answer is...the guy can fricken draw just about anything from serious to humorous to sexy and anyone who cares to take the time to look at the full body of his work will see an artist who is extraordinarily influential on the medium and more talented than almost all of his peers in the field.

 

It is easy to get tied up in looking at the bewbies.... but the guy is about A LOT more than cheesecake.

He can do tech,

and texture,

 

and backgrounds of incredible detail....

 

and this doesn't even scratch the surface of his work. There are dozen's more examples of work of the highest order of talent, skill, and effort if anyone took the time to look. It's easy to stop and stare at the mammories.....but you are robbing yourself of appreciating an artist who can work in almost any medium, on almost any character and give you something that is truly deserving of being called artwork.

 

Best,

Chris

[Stronguy]

And let's not forget fun...

[Entropy79!-migration]

Chris,

Don't forget his ability to perfectly draw real people (ie some of his Serenity/Firefly art). Amazing how Hughes can capture likenesses. So much so that people thought his recent Serenity covers were photoshopped.

[Tuan-migration]

I know Adam cites Normal Rockwell as an influence, and I tend to see that come out in a lot of his cover work. I really enjoy the Saturday Evening Post quality I see in so much of his work. I also like the playfulness he brings to the art. For example, I find a lot of his convention sketches to be funny as well as sexy. I think his inking's beautiful, too - smooth as silk and crazy cross-hatching.

 

That's why I like him (and am one of those people willing to pay lots for the right piece), but I understand he's not going to appeal to everyone's taste.

 

Best,

 

Tuan

[Allison Sohn-migration]

I think often time the prices are, as in any industry; based on Supply and Demand. When the demand for something outweighs the available supply, the prices for that commodity go up.

 

In this case, there are a great many more people that would like to own an original piece of Adam Hughes' artwork than there is art to go around. Be it prelims, or covers or commissions or convention sketches, Adam simply can't draw enough of it to fulfill all the collectors' desires for the material.

 

It also doesn't help that Adam has been doing this for 20 years. That's 20 years worth of people that want the artwork, 20 years of new fans being attracted to what he does, with only a few deciding "this is no longer what I desire". And its not like 20 years of drawing has made Adam any faster at producing that artwork.

 

I'm glad the collectors here didn't allow themselves to get sidetracked by the "boob" factor. Yes, Adam does good girl art 9 times out of 10. But he's a commercial artist, and he draws the job they hire him for. No one is calling the studio, saying "how about a s 6 issue run on Green Arrow?". Thank goodness for folks like Joss Whedon, who like Adam's art, asking him to do those Serenity pieces! Or the Star Wars fans that buy up everything Adam can draw that is Star Wars, so that he gets asked to do pieces featuring characters like Luke, Han, Boba Fett and Darth Vader. Otherwise, Adam might get stuck drawing hot Babes. And that sure would suck, huh?

[Allison Sohn-migration]

Chris,

Don't forget his ability to perfectly draw real people (ie some of his Serenity/Firefly art). Amazing how Hughes can capture likenesses. So much so that people thought his recent Serenity covers were photoshopped.

 

this is my new personal favorite on the likeness front:

[comicartfan]

I've never been a big AH ! fan, mostly because I don't care for the cheesecake art that is what really makes him a fan fav.

 

But when I look at some of his covers, the details are great and all that, but what I am struck by is the originality that he puts into them. Then Ed Hopper-esque example, but also that great Catwoman cover where she's in the mug shot with the prisoner number under her. (This was apparently an "in joke" to fans of the tv show LOST) - I don't get the joke, but totally appreciate the humor.

[CollectingFool]

Hmm... what do I like about Adam Hughes...

 

I find his layouts original and imaginative. His perspectives are usually interesting. He has a great sense of anatomy even if he choses to be more stylized instead of photo-realistic. When he does draw "real people", his versions are amazing and original (not copies of pictures like other artists). These are the things that make his art stand out to me. Someone that's just looking for comic book T&A may miss these things.

 

Another post mentioned his impact might be diluted a little because he has so many imitators. Well, I agree with that. I've seen more than a couple of artists that have made a career out of mimicking Adam's style.

 

I'll be the first to admit I'm poorly equipped to make this argument. I've heard and read many artists sing Adam's praises more eloquently than I. I'll see if I can dig some of that up.

[NelsonAI]

 

Adam is just a super talented artist. When other industry professionals are fawning over his work, you know he's a modern master. Not only does AH! does draw absolutely beautiful women but the expressions on their faces often show their emotional state as well (whether it's sad, happy, anger, etc.). A lot of artists can do sexy but not much else.

 

As Allison stated, it's about supply and demand. Not everyone can afford his art but most can appreciate it.

 

It's also great that Adam and Allison are both super nice and fan friendly.

 

Cheers!

N

 

[Mighty Hal]

I see his art and say to myself... that's nice, but not OMG that's amazing.

 

I understand the sentiment because the at-auction sell price for any AH piece is OMG, AMAZING. His artwork goes for Krazy money, particularly if (a) it involves a popular superhero or (b) we see curves.

 

Personally, I think Hughes is a very talented artist. The recent DC COMICS COVERGIRLS hardcover is practically a catalog of his artwork. His covers are fun, usually exciting, and often inventive. Because Hughes doesn't really draw hot women. He draws hot comic book characters, and he does it in a way that's really fun.

 

I don't believe that comic book art is supposed to mirror reality; those old photo-book comics from Spain can supply that rush if that's what you need. I suppose that's one reason why I don't like the Greg Horn/PENTHOUSE super heroines and do enjoy the Mike Oeming/Nobody Ever Really Looked Like That characters.

 

 

[Lambo]

I also mentioned Frazetta, Stevens, Wood and Romita Sr. who all did substantial pen & ink work.

 

I'm not judging the women on photo-realism, but even in their stylized comic book/pin-up form, these artists' women have a beauty, charm and vitality that is absent from most of AH's work.

 

I've fallen a bit out of love with Land due to all the reports of excessive photo-referencing. However, I will state uncategorically that he draws FABULOUS women - that Sojourn #1 splash is a prime example of that. Beautiful and inviting - like the kind of girl you'd love to take home to mom (if you were living in a medieval fantasy realm!)

 

Deliquorstore, my friend...

You had to do it. You had to slip in something so "uncategorically" idiotic that you made me come out of lurking mode to post.

 

To use Land's Sojourn work as an example is a laughable one. By that time Land had already jumped into his photo referencing style (let's face it, photo tracing) and his "FABULOUS" women were merely photographs of models he traced. This is not a subject open to differences in opinion like most of this thread. This is what happened.

 

And before people start accusing me of being a Land hater, I'm not. I was a big fan of his during his earlier work like Nightwing and own a lot of his art. I loved his stuff when funny enough he was one of several guys who were heavily "influenced" by Adam Hughes. And back then, he really did "draw" great females.

 

Of course, you and Yoram are entitled to your opinions. I happen to disagree. You and I had this discussion during lunch one day at Virgil's with you on the anti-Adam side and me on the pro-Adam side. Neither of us convinced the other. That's the beauty of our hobby. We all have our own likes and dislikes. Luckily for Adam Hughes, most people agree with me!

 

Lamb

 

[Lambo]

I've got an Elvgren, Vargas and Boris all hanging in my bedroom with some Enric and Jose Gonzalez on the walls for good measure. I *know* what beautifully illustrated hot women look like!

 

Oh and Gene? Just because someone has money and buys all the most expensive clothes, doesn't necessarily mean that person has any fashion sense. It could mean that he's just smart enough to read up on the subject and know what he "should" wear. Same with art.

 

Lamb

[delekkerste]

Go back to lurking.

 

"Uncategorically idiotic"? Don't hold back, Lamb, tell me how you really feel. My friend, as you said, we will have to agree to disagree. I know AH is a sacred cow to many of you and I didn't expect anything less than the usual spirited defense here (it's much easier to speak out about artists who aren't so tied into the collecting community - Steve Ditko isn't going to come on the Boards if someone posts that they didn't like his Spidey work). But, I'm going to have to side with Yoram and others, and trust in my own judgment and taste (let's leave the money and the out-of-context Land comments out of this) and say what I believe. I don't disagree with much of what has been posted here - the humorous, imaginative layouts, texture, backgrounds, etc. But, those elements haven't been under criticism and nor are they the primary attraction to his art; even most of his supporters would acknowledge that.

 

I'm happy that all the Hughes fans are out buying his art; you collect what you like and I'll collect what I like - everybody wins.

[mrpunch0]

I don't disagree with much of what has been posted here - the humorous, imaginative layouts, texture, backgrounds, etc. But, those elements haven't been under criticism and nor are they the primary attraction to his art; even most of his supporters would acknowledge that.

 

Not all of us. I love the one finished Hughes piece I own for it's humor and great draftsmanship - and I won't deny it also has the boob factor.

 

BUT - I would be just as happy (or happier) to own that Boba Fett cover or one of his few Serenity pieces. Hell, I'm in the minority of collectors who have paid Adam to draw a male con sketch. (To be fair - I already had a female.)

 

For me and many other collectors it's about the quality of the art. The boobs are just a bonus.

[Timely]

I don't know if I can name someone who draws a hotter chick. And last time I checked most comic fans are guys who love to drool over things.

 

 

Thus what is the best possible thing to hang on a comic fan's wall?

 

I think Budd Root could give him a run for his money!

 

West

[Lambo]

Go back to lurking.

"Uncategorically idiotic"? Don't hold back, Lamb, tell me how you really feel.

Originally, it was just "idiotic" but I threw in the "uncategorically" from your post out of respect to my buddy Gene Deliquorstore!

 

I know AH is a sacred cow to many of you and I didn't expect anything less than the usual spirited defense here (it's much easier to speak out about artists who aren't so tied into the collecting community - Steve Ditko isn't going to come on the Boards if someone posts that they didn't like his Spidey work).

I have seen that it is usually not an easy exercise to criticize ANY artist in a forum such as this one. Community presence of the artist has nothing to do with it. As long as the artist has a following, there will be someone to defend his point of view. Even your example of Steve Ditko; his supporters are among the most ardent and they'll be on you like white on rice if you say anything negative about him.

 

You can focus on the big boobs all you want and ignore all the other things that make Adam Hughes the respected artist that he is to fans and fellow artists alike. But to say Adam is popular primarily because of the big boob factor is not giving fans like myself much credit.

 

Like I said that day at lunch, we shall have to agree to disagree on the subject of Adam Hughes.

[delekkerste]

But to say Adam is popular primarily because of the big boob factor is not giving fans like myself much credit.

 

Well, Lamb, you can understand that it's hard for me to give a lot of credit to a grown man who still obsesses about a billionaire playboy who dresses up as a flying rodent and goes around fighting crime.

 

See you at the next Con, amigo!

[Bronty]

I don't read moderns so I'm not that familiar with AHs work but his con sketches alone that have been posted here and elsewhere have won me over. He shows more originality in those simple sketches than a dozen average artists put together.

[Allison Sohn-migration]

Not everyone is going to like every arist, end of story. I can't think of a single artists' name I could put in this post that every single collector would say "Yup, we all agree; he's great!".

 

We all have individual tastes, and different artists will appeal to different individuals. However, the question posted in the thread wasn't "Is Adam Hughes a Good Artist" but rather "I'd like some clarifiaction on why his art gets the prices it does."

 

I'm not a fan of Post Modernist artist Jeff Koons' work; but his pieces sell for Millions. Just because I don't like what he does, doesn't mean he isn't good at it. Post Modernism isn't my cup of tea. Maybe good girl art isn't yours. Doesn't mean that Jeff and Adam aren't allowed the prices they get for thier art.

 

I think it'd be one thing if Adam's art was priced high, and it was sitting around un-sold. People could say "who does he think he is, asking so much? He obviously isn't that good if people aren't willing to pay that price". But when the art is priced as it is, and sells within moment of it being made available, you have to say "well its not for me, but I guess some folks like it enough to gobble it up at that price."