“Late Sunlight, Central Paris” oil 36”x 48”

New Article in the PASTEL JOURNAL

Click HERE to view the recent 2023 Fall PASTEL JOURNAL article about my art.

Interpreting Light

The changing color, the ever-shifting lights, the energy of moving figures and traffic, the landscape’s abstract patterns.... I strive to capture the energy and uniqueness or everyday life. I paint how I see and this is very much by design; I strive to create a three dimensional view on a two dimensional surface.

My eye is attracted to the effect of light and energy - the moment that turns your head and makes you take a second look. Everything is a combination of abstract shapes that combine to form a representational image. With my paintings, I enlist the viewer's eye to interpret details that are only loosely implied.

Below is a link to a recent feature article about my art in PASTEL WORLD. This new magazine is published in China.

2023 article in PASTEL WORLD magazine! Click HERE to view.

Updated Workshop Demonstrations Page

Please go to Paintings and Prints Page and click on Workshop Demonstrations Page.

2022 article in AMERICAN LIFESTYLE magazine! Click HERE to view.

Recent News

VIEWS THROUGH ABSTRACTION

Announcing my new series of pastels with an Abstract Expressionist approach. My art has always been a combination of representational and abstract shapes, and I enjoy experimenting with these elements. This new series explores a more expressive handling of shapes, edges, and color. To see this series, please go to PAINTINGS and PRINTS and click on VIEWS THROUGH ABSTRACTION.

NEW MENTOR/CRITIQUE PROGRAM

I am happy to announce the launch of my Mentor/Critique Program.

Artists at every skill level are welcome to participate. The primary 

focus is to take your art to the next level and offer insight, 

instruction, and guidance as you progress in your art journey.

Sessions can be scheduled every other Saturday beginning 

August 28th, 2021.

You are welcome to signup anytime for future sessions

as each session is customized to your needs.

Each one-on-one, 30 minute, informal session (on Zoom) will 

include a critique of your work and the opportunity to ask questions/discuss 

a variety of topics that most interest you.

For more information, submit email below and specify “Mentor/Critique.”

Pastel Journal Article

An article about my art appeared in the 2020 February Pastel Journal. This article explores combining art and travel; highlighting my paintings from my family’s trip to Paris. To see a PDF of this article, please click link below:

Pastel Voyages

Eminent Pastelist

In March of 2018, I was awarded Eminent Pastelist status by the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS). This achievement is the result of accumulated points earned from acceptance in IAPS international juried exhibitions and awards won. Currently, there are only twelve pastel artists worldwide with this designation. 

 Desmond O'Hagan Artist Profile

In 2018, I was asked by F&W Media to film four new instructional videos exploring the art of Edgar Degas.

The set is titled "Decoding Degas." Along with demonstrating two of my paintings, I recreated a Degas pastel in the spirit of copying the masters. Copying master painters is an age-old tradition among artists to gain insight on art technique.

For more information and a preview, please enter my name in search on www.artistsnetwork.com.

Along with these videos, a new artist video profile (above) was produced. To view the video, please click on the link below:

https://youtu.be/hVMKu08Ynqs

China Exhibition and Trip

In October of 2016, I was invited to exhibit my art at the 2nd Biennial China International Pastel Exhibition in Suzhou, China. This exhibition included 60 foreign artists and 40 Chinese artists. Of the 60 foreign artists, 5 were invited and hosted by the Ming Gallery of Art in Suzhou. Artists invited were Liz Haywood-Sullivan, Alain J. Picard, Tony Allain, Stan Sperlak, and me. Also invited was Anne Hevener, Editor of the Pastel Journal. Along with exhibiting in the show, we conducted workshops, pastel demonstrations, and seminars at schools and universities. The above photos are merely a glimpse of what was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Click on the following article, "A Pastel Awakening" written by Anne Hevener, to read more about the exhibition and trip.