Biography
Sharon Hagan’s paintings explore the simple beauty and intricacies of nature. She is inspired by the works of Georgia O’Keefe, who produced close-up depictions of flowers that emphasize color and form, and Claude Monet, who revolutionized techniques of painting water to suggest movement.
She discovered the joy of painting after a long career in the criminal justice system and clinical psychology, explaining that it evolved from a method of relaxation into a passion for visual design. She paints from photographs she has taken in her community and during her travels, editing them and simplifying them so that they become suitable subjects for a canvas. She prefers painting on large canvases, and her body of work often focuses on flowers, boats, water and landscapes.
Sharon is a native Californian, and she has lived in Sacramento for many years. She describes herself as a “lifelong learner,” as she has earned several degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in Government, a Master of Arts in Psychology, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
She shows her work in Open Studios, and is a member of Art Work Downtown and Blue Line Art where she participates in the Membership Medley.
Artist Statement
I am an artist based in Sacramento, California who uses acrylics to produce realistic paintings of things I observe in my neighborhood and during trips, both near and far. I discovered painting after lengthy careers in the criminal justice system and clinical psychology. My painting has evolved from a method of relaxation into a genuine passion for how visual design impacts the quality of our lives.
I am drawn to subjects I believe are beautiful. I paint from photographs and my body of work has focused on subjects I find in nature, including flowers, boats, water and landscapes. Many of my paintings explore the simplicity and intricacies of a single bloom on a large canvas, emphasizing clean sharp edges and shadows that bring the flower to life.
I am inspired by the works of Georgia O’Keefe, who produced close-up depictions of flowers that emphasize color and form, and Claude Monet, who revolutionized techniques of painting water to suggest movement.
Contact Information
(916) 612-8900
sharonmunshagan@gmail.com