Who: Desmond O’Hagan
Medium: Oils and pastels
His story: In his college days, O’Hagan ditched his studies in architecture and fine arts at the University of New Mexico in favor of learning graphic arts at the Art Institute of Colorado. He spent four years in the advertising business before bailing out again, this time to seek a career in fine arts. It was amid the 1980s oil bust, a dicey time to change careers, but his training in advertising and marketing helped propel his career as a painter.
“A lot of it is making sure you have paintings in the right market,” he said.
“With fine art, I can work locally and sell nationally and internationally.”
The past 26 years, his work has been exhibited throughout the U.S. and in Japan and China.
Philosophy: “The main emphasis in my work is the study of light,” he says.
“Natural light, man-made light. I’m attracted to shapes that have a nice, high contrast. I treat everything in that sort of context. As opposed to painting a figure, I paint a shape, so the work becomes almost an abstract pattern, and it’s only when you stand back that it comes together as representational.”
Cost range: $950 to $20,000
Where to find his work: American Art Invitational exhibit, Saks Gallery, 3019 E. Second Ave., Denver, and at his Denver studio (by appointment only: 303-691-3736) and online at . — Claire Martin
