Biography

Desmond O'Hagan was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, and was raised in the United States. He enjoys working in several mediums, but his primary focus is in oils and pastels. Although he appreciates many different forms of art, his main interests include the paintings of several late 19th century American, French, Spanish, and Russian painters. Continuous study of these painters has had a strong influence on O'Hagan's own art. Constantly challenging himself has translated into a fulfilling career in fine art encompassing several one-man shows and participation in group exhibitions in the United States, Japan, China and France. He is a Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America and a member of Oil Painters of America. He is also listed in Who's Who in American Art, and Who's Who in America. O'Hagan has won several awards at the Pastel Society of America's annual shows in New York City. He has also won the George Innes, Jr. Memorial Award from the Salmagundi Club. At the 1999 International Association of Pastel Societies Exhibition held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, O'Hagan was awarded the Prix'd Pastel Award (Best of Show). In May of 2005, O'Hagan was inducted into the International Association of Pastel Societies' "Masters Circle". His art has been the subject of feature articles in numerous national and international magazines including "American Art Collector" (May 2007), "The Artist's Magazine" (May 2005, September 2001, September 1995), "Denver Business Journal" (August 2004), "Southwest Art" (February 2004, April 2002, and November 1987), "The Artist" (Great Britain, August 2006), "International Artist" (Australia, February/March 2001), "American Artist" (December 1989), "Artists and Illustrators" (England, October 1998), "Gekkan Bijyutsu Art Magazine" (Japan, May 1998), and United Airlines' "Hemispheres" magazine (January 1996). O'Hagan's paintings have also been featured in several books including Rockport Publisher's, The Best of Oil Painting and The Best of Pastel. In May 2007, O'Hagan's paintings were featured in North Light Books' new edition Painting with Pastels. His art is in public and private collections in the United States, Japan, Canada, and Europe. O'Hagan's paintings are represented by galleries in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Denver, Colorado, and Huntsville, Utah.