When An Artist Speaks

For a while now I've been getting the Artist's magazine, which I love to scour. This magazine showcases artists that have developed painting abilities opposite to mine: very fine art-centric with awesome portraiture, landscape, abstract - you name it. Divine!

I stumbled upon an artist in the April 2013 edition named Katie O'Hagan. Her work is stunning. Breath taking. Evokes deep emotional reaction (at least from me!). Oh my God, this woman is talented! I must blog about her.

Artist Katie O'Hagan

Katie is originally from Scotland, and lives in the state of New York now. And she paints from evening until early morning. My kinda gal! Her work is nothing short of amazing. She paints unbelievable portraits which are super trendy (of families, pets, individuals), and also paintings of herself reflecting an event in her own life. Her paintings speak to me deeply. Two of my favorites of Katies:



Breakneck 40 x 60

Tamed 28 x 38

I love the expressions elicited by the entire painting, broken down into layers starting with the background, right up to the literal expression on the subjects face (be it human or beast). There are stories that go with these paintings outlined in the magazine (which you should check out if you're interested). I really could go on and on about Katie - having just discovered her as a new favorite.

She has rocked my world.

I wish I could paint people realistically. I learned in art school to break down the human body, studying the way the skull is designed, arms, legs, feet, hands - but painting realistically is not my calling. However, I appreciate those who nail it, like Katie does - and it gets me excited! Yeah, sure, I wish I could paint realistically. I think about what my style might look like, and the subject matters I'd like to paint. Perhaps that will be a new chapter in my artistic life...learning to paint in a new style? After all, isn't growth about evolving, even if it means taking on new challenges that are a bit intimidating? Like - painting realistically (for me).

Have you discovered someone lately whose work is like a bag of fireworks suddenly going off in your office or studio?? I'm having a big huge firework show now over Katie O'Hagan.

Tell me you latest discovery! What is setting off fireworks for you??

Please check out Katies website: www.katieohagan.com, and look at her body of work. Stunning. I could stare at each piece for hours...and if you don't hear from me, you'll know why.