Information for all 2-day online workshops is on the homepage (information to come)

The classes and workshops are designed to help you reach the next level in your pastel or oil painting

O’Hagan will emphasize composition, developing technique through a more painterly approach, and the importance of values and contrasts. Along with daily informal talks on a variety of painting topics, there will be hands-on, individual instruction and critiques. Students are encouraged to move out of their “comfort zone” and experiment with new ideas in technique and subject matter. Each day will include a demonstration in oil or pastel.

Workshops in 2024

Click on the paintings below for more information.

From Desmond:

"My main focus in the workshop is to explore the art of “Interpreting Light”. This approach can be explored in both landscapes and urbanscapes as well as a variety of other subject matter. I have a very hands-on approach to teaching; working individually with each student. 

My workshop begins with a digital slide show of my pastels including two step-by-steps of works in progress. Lecture topics include “infusing light” and conveying energy with your pastel technique. My workshop is also designed to help you reach the next level in your pastel painting.

Workshop demonstration would emphasis composition, developing technique through a more painterly approach, and the importance of light, values, and contrasts."

From Previous Workshops:

Testimonials:

"I personally attended and believe it is the best, most inspiring workshop in which I have ever had the pleasure of participating." -- Sonja Kever, Austin Pastel Society

"Desmond was a professional in every aspect of the process. He also conducted a 3 day workshop that was one of the most informative workshops I have ever attended." -- Debra Nadelhoffer, President 2001, Southeastern Pastel Society

"A very belated thank you for the excellent workshop and juroring for PAH in June 2005." -- Nancy Lea Jackson, President 2006, Pastel Artists of Hawaii

"As we said to you after you held a workshop here for our members in November....we loved it!" -- Patti Smith, Southwest Florida Pastel Society

"His engaging personality and willingness to help would make him the ideal person for any group planning a worthwhile workshop." -- Pittsburgh Pastel Artist League

"At least 6 people from a variety of states traveled to Albuquerque to participate and their responses, after the completion of the three days, were very positive." Comments ranged from "a lot of fabulous information", "lots of learning" to "be sure and let me know if he's coming back into town to do another one." -- Pastel Society of New Mexico

Desmond O’Hagan Essential Pastels

“In 2018, Jack Richeson & Co. asked me to design a custom pastel set using the new Jack Richeson handmade soft pastels. This 40-stick set was designed after months of researching exactly what colors I find “essential” in my pastel painting. Since my approach to pastels is very painterly, this set was designed using fewer pastel sticks that still provide a multitude of colors using overlapping and slight blending. When teaching workshops, occasionally students have mentioned they lack the right amount of pastels, the right colors, or enough of the right values. My goal in designing this set is to address these concerns. This set is an excellent addition that includes a variety of values, muted and intense colors, and warm and cool colors. I hope you enjoy this pastel set, and good luck with your painting!”

Desmond O’Hagan

Desmond O’Hagan Essential Pastels can be purchased online at Dakota Arts and Judsons Art Outfitters at:

https://www.dakotapastels.com/product/RichesonHR40DesmondOHagan?cat=242&idsku=18890

https://www.judsonsart.com/collections/richeson-instructor-sets/products/desmond-ohagan-essential-pastel-set-40

Desmond O'Hagan Instructional Videos

Artists Network website store currently has eight instructional videos by Desmond O'Hagan. in 2017, two instructing in oil painting and two instructing in pastel painting were produced. In 2018, four new videos were produced, and the set is titled “Decoding Degas”. These videos (part documentary, and part instructional) explore the pastels and drawings of French master Edgar Degas. This set also includes instructional videos by Desmond painting a ballet scene and street scene. For more information on purchasing these videos, please scroll down.

These videos can be purchased at: https://www.artistsnetwork.com/product-category/video/

ART CRITIQUE