Michael McHugh's botanical-based painting practice is directly informed by research in museums, libraries and gardens with an emphasis placed upon what can not necessarily be easily seen. He builds collagic-styled works comprised of colourful abstracted, botanical shapes informed by and directly connected to the natural world.

A graduate from Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, Auckland he has also attended masterclasses in painting at the National Art School, Sydney.

McHugh lives in Sydney and Cromwell, New Zealand and is represented in private collections in the USA, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.