hagen illustration

Cat in the Box

2012-01-19T07:53:00.000-08:00

Gearing up for the new DC Artomatic Show in May-June 2012 in Crystal City! Here's a new painting of a common scene around my house. Acrylic on canvas, 16"x 20."

The Allens

2012-01-18T05:23:00.000-08:00

Commissioned Xmas present of in-laws Dick & Jean standing smartly outside their home in the UK!

Send Pests Packing!

2012-01-04T06:41:00.000-08:00

Cartoon illustrations I did for a pest extermination company in Chicago. My favorites are the indignant rat and the caterpillar with the orange designer bag. Get out of town (or, at least, out of my house)!

Bowling Pin of Excellence

2011-12-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

The public has spoken. The Bowling Pin of Excellence Electric Wheel has chosen a winner! Jamie Gerhold is the winner of the coveted 2011 Bowling Pin of Excellence !!!!
Out of the many artists participating in Artomatic@Frederick last month, the public chose their favorites from the show. These nominees were whittled down to five finalists and then, BPOE organizer/creator/mastermind Roger Cutler's electric wheel randomly chose a winner from the five. We had a fun award banquet at a Chinese restaurant in Frederick last night and Roger spun the Wheel. Standing with smiling Jamie are three finalists for the award: Annie Lunsford, David Hagen (me, back left), and Phyllis Mayes. Equally brilliant, but not in the picture, are finalists Deborah Winram and Richard Schellenberg.

It should also be pointed out that the nice shiny awards given to the finalists (I call mine the "Duckpin of Excellence") were partly made from scrap aluminum provided by Artomatic mechanical wizard Carl Cordell who passed away last July.
Congrats to all! And thanks to Roger and all that voted for me. Shiny.

Griffey

2011-12-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

Griffey, 10"x 20" acrylic on canvas.

Here's a painting I just finished for daughter Claire's boyfriend's graduation present. Claire told me Drew's favorite baseball player was Ken Griffey Jr. which made this fun because he was one of my favorites too. Griffey was a great hitter, but I really admired the way he played the outfield with a joyful enthusiasm and excitement. He could catch any ball he could run down and I think this scene depicts that. I wanted to use the same monochromatic gray colors I used in my "A Fine Arm" painting, but on the cooler spectrum for a more modern look and I think it came out well. A Fine Arm, 30"x 40" acrylic on canvas.

That new car smell

2011-11-23T08:45:00.000-08:00

Here's a new painting commemorating the purchase of my new car! A bright red Fiat 500. It's fabulous and fun to drive and totally discreet (no one notices when I drive down the street). Though, I am afraid of monsters that like shiny red objects.

Shoeless Joe

2011-11-21T11:46:00.000-08:00

The original and the commissioned ink and computer drawing of the 1909-11 American Caramel Joe Jackson baseball card. Mine's in mint condition and considerably less sticky! These early baseball cards were in packages of caramels (not stale pink gum).

Velvet Elvis

2011-11-17T10:52:00.001-08:00

Yes, I admit, I own a velvet Elvis tapestry. It's gorgeous. Here's a panel cartoon from a few years back.

3 more weeks of Artomatic

2011-10-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

My artwork is selling and I've got new commissions from the first two weeks of Artomatic@Frederick. It's all good! If you haven't made the trip out to Frederick, MD, you should. There's a lot of nice artwork by many talented artists. My space is 34C.
Click here for details.

Corporate Sponsorship

2011-10-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

I always wondered what we'd all look like if we could get corporate sponsorship like the race car drivers. I don't own a lot of clothes with names of companies on them. I feel a little silly walking around with a giant "NIKE" or "ADIDAS" on my shirt. When I buy a new car, I usually remove the little advertising sticker or license plate holder the dealership has stuck on the back displaying their name. I'm sure some people have certain loyalties to favorite companies and I certainly like Coke better than Pepsi, but I wouldn't wear a jacket with their logo emblazoned on it. That's just me.
Now, if they wanted to pay me, I'd probably look like the gentleman above...

Snack Time DC

2011-09-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Finally! It's Snack Time in DC!! I've painted several versions of this theme with different cities in the past couple years as commissioned pieces, but never Washington, DC. Yummy tourists! Tasty snarled traffic! This morsel will be on exhibit at Artomatic@Frederick Sept. 28 to Nov. 6. Come see!
16" x 20" Acrylic on canvas.

Cartoons & Cocktails 2011

2011-09-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a preview of a cartoon that I donated to the annual fundraiser Cartoons & Cocktails. It will be held Thursday night, October 20 at the Newseum. I've been donating original cartoon art to this worthy cause for over ten years. It supports Young DC and gives scholarships and support to kids interested in journalism. It's been held at the National Press Club for years and it should be refreshing and something different having it at the Newseum this year. I had heard that Redskins owner Daniel Snyder was pondering a retractable roof for his stadium so that he could put in a bid to host the Super Bowl somewhere down the road and this came to mind...

Best Friends Forever!

2011-08-31T11:55:00.001-07:00

I would imagine that "Honest Abe" and George "Can Not Tell a Lie" Washington would be best friends if they ever happened to meet each other. At least that's what I would like to think. Since we're talking honesty... I made George's teeth yellow. I saw a pair of his false teeth on display at Mount Vernon and, man, did those things look uncomfortable (and yellow). Can someone say, "whitening strips?" Anyway, George and Abe can swap Presidential Stories and have a laugh while on display at Artomatic@Frederick Sept. 28 to Nov. 6.
16" x 20" Acrylic on canvas.

Fetch!

2011-08-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

A new painting for the upcoming Artomatic@Frederick. I'm participating in Artomatic again and this year it's being held in Frederick, MD from Sept. 28th to Nov. 6th at the old FCPS building, 115 E Church St., Frederick, MD. I was excited to pick out my spot yesterday at the site and will install next week!
16" x 20" Acrylic on canvas.

Sam I Am

2011-08-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

Here's a painting of Mike's cat, Sam.
Smile, Sam!

Still Not Boys!

2011-07-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

Some more of the spot illustration forWarren Potash's upcoming book, "They're Not Boys."
PONYTAILS!!

They're Not Boys!

2011-07-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

I've been having a lot of fun providing illustrations for Warren Potash's upcoming training book, "They're Not Boys," which deals with training philosophy and exercise techniques for young female athletes and also to educate parents, coaches, and trainers. The illustrations will also be scattered on Warren's informative website: www.learn2trainsafely.com/
More information forthcoming nearer to publication date.

Job skills

2011-07-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

...and he Tweets!

Accurate Market Research

2011-06-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder what ever happens to all those surveys I fill out...

Nest Egg

2011-06-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

Libby took this photo of the robin's nest and so-to-be new neighbors in the backyard.
Lovely.

Shelve It!

2011-06-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

The new Library t-shirts are in and getting rave reviews! The reversed illustration (white on black not black on white) came out well. You can still recognize Georgetown University's Lauinger Library about to be munched...

Lassos Moon

2011-06-02T06:03:00.000-07:00

The Partingtons commissioned this family portrait. Husband and wife are huge fans of the film, It's A Wonderful Life.
In, the film, on their way home from a dance at which they have fallen into a pool, and are forced to wear borrowed clothes, George (James Stewart) offers to lasso the moon for Mary (Donna Reed). Later in the movie, Mary creates a drawing of George doing just that, with the caption "George Lassos the Moon" written in rope. Initially, Mary's gesture is lost on George, but later in the movie the illustration is seen hanging in their home.Well, Mrs. Partington has surprised Mr. Partington with the news of their pregnancy by giving him this painting. All together now.... "Awwwwww!" Isn't that the sweetest story?

The Hermanator

2011-05-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

Former CEO for Godfather's Pizza, Herman Cain, has announced that he's going to run for President in 2012 and will be seeking the Republican nomination. I remembered doing a spot illustration of him in 1996 when he resigned from Godfather's to become head of the National Restaurant Association. The client wanted me to illustrate him in the "I Want You" pose and wearing a button that proclaimed him, "The Hermanator!" A chicken in every pot, a car in every garage, and double pepperoni for all!

Killebrew dies at 74

2011-05-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

I just saw the news a few minutes ago that Harmon Killebrew died today from esophogeal cancer and thought I'd re-post this entry and illustration I did from June, 2009 as a tribute:

"Harmon Killebrew was a feared power hitter with the nicknames "Killer" and "Hammerin' Harmon." Despite his "Killer" nickname and his powerful stocky build, Killebrew was in fact a quiet, kind man who didn't really join in with his partying teammates. Asked by reporters what he liked to do for fun, Killebrew replied, "Well, I like to wash dishes, I guess." I like Harmon."

Take This Book...And Shelve It!

2011-05-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

Here's a commissioned t-shirt design based on Snack Time for the Georgetown University Library Access Services Division. I think the shirts are going to be gifts to the student workers. The book-shelving monster is devouring GU's Lauinger Library!

Vote Early and Often

2011-05-02T04:56:00.000-07:00

Cartoonist and friend, Al Goodwyn has made it to the tenth and FINAL round of "So You Wanna Be a Cartoonist?" Fifteen cartoonists are left and voting continues the rest of this week. It takes seconds to sign up and vote a couple hundred times for Al! Click here to VOTE.

Carrot Ride After Dark

2011-04-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

On the heels of Carrot Ride's triumphant exposure in last week's Express, demand for me to make the image available on dark shirts on Zazzle has been overwhelming (are you two satisfied now?). Shamelessly announcing that Carrot Ride is now available on dark shirts. And look how GOOD it looks on the Hipster! 10.40% off this tax day weekend! Click me to shop. Many thanks to Christen for the assist on this. Free shirt to you!

And what is art?

2011-04-07T08:22:00.001-07:00

Caption quoted from today's Express:
"David Hagen's Carrot Ride is part of an Artomatic exhibit at Reagan National Airport...You don't need a ticket to attend the exhibition...which features a large painting of a bunny riding a carrot. Sure, there are other works, but this is a bunny! Riding a carrot! Look at his little bunny face. We're sure the other art is nice, but there's probably only one piece that features a bunny riding a carrot. And what is art? Art is a bunny. Riding a carrot."
I think I might have to make up t-shirts, "Art is a bunny. Riding a carrot."
Coming soon...

Exercise & Eating Healthy Alphabet

2011-03-18T06:29:00.001-07:00

What can be more important than exercise and eating healthy, Eh? Here's some line art I drew for the American Diabetes Association. The challenging part for me was coming up with healthy activities and healthy food for each letter of the alphabet and then having them all fit comfortably within the inside of the letter. These were then distributed nationally to schools to be colored and cut out. Sounds like fun activity in itself! Now... can you find where did I put that zucchini?? 10 points for the first correct answer!
Email me if you'd like a copy of the alphabet.

Artomatic Takes Flight!

2011-02-17T10:55:00.000-08:00

My popular painting, Carrot Ride, will be participating in the art show, "Artomatic Takes Flight," which will run from March 3rd to June 25th, 2011 at Reagan National Airport (in the hallway of Terminal A). Everyone's invited to the opening reception to meet the artists, eat free food, and possibly get a TSA pat-down from 6-8pm, March 10th. Hopefully, the exhibit will brighten some weary traveler's day. There's an online article on Examiner.com with details and a slide show of other participant's artwork right here.

Masterpiece!

2011-02-14T12:32:00.000-08:00

I framed the painting for the future charity auction. The frame reminded me of something Richard Thompson might draw. Read about Team Cul de Sac here to donate to this worthy cause!

Team Cul de Sac

2011-02-04T05:04:00.000-08:00

Cartoonist and friend, Richard Thompson (Cul de Sac), was diagnosed with Parkinson's last year. He's managing things well and his friends and fellow cartoonists are coming together to support "Team Cul de Sac" to donate money towards Michael J. Fox's foundation for Parkinson's research. To donate to this cause, click here. Cartoonists are donating original artwork for a charity auction and for a book that will come out next year with the profits also going to this worthwhile cause. The theme of the artwork is to celebrate Richard's characters and the strip Cul de Sac. I scanned a couple of Richard's strips and isolated each character and assembled them in Photoshop (below) to form an Otterloop family portrait. I then painted them all in acrylic on canvas, 16" x 20." I'll need to find a beautiful gold frame to complete this masterpiece. More to come...

Wilted

2011-01-31T10:45:00.000-08:00

I came across this b&w illustration I did a couple years ago and I can't remember who the client was. It was in a folder with other random b&w spots. It may have been for someone's website. I still like it.

Doubleheader!

2011-01-14T10:03:00.001-08:00

Need I say, "Two heads are better than one?"
They ARE sporting the Championship Belt!!
New purple paint, new painting.
16"x 20" acrylic on canvas

Snack Time Baltimore!

2011-01-04T09:38:00.000-08:00

Another Artomatic "Snack Time" commission. This time, Zoe, the family cat, devours Charm City! May need some Bromo Seltzer after eating the Bromo Seltzer Tower.
16" x 20" acrylic on canvas.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-15T06:37:00.000-08:00

Best Wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy 2011!

"Oooh! Tacos!"

2010-12-03T06:52:00.000-08:00

Oooh! I heart tacos!
12"x 24" acrylic on canvas.

"Oooh! Tacos!" sketch

2010-12-01T10:35:00.001-08:00

Coming soon...

Bunch of Flowers!

2010-11-17T12:02:00.000-08:00

Here's a selection of black & white line art I did for the American Floral Marketing Council.

Snack Time Boston!

2010-10-29T07:17:00.000-07:00

Look out City of Boston! It's Snack Time! Another Artomatic commission. Will the carnage ever cease?
16" x 20" acrylic on canvas.

Cartoons & Cocktails 2010

2010-10-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a preview of two cartoons that I donated to the annual fundraiser Cartoons & Cocktails. It will be held Thursday night, October 28 at the National Press Club. I've been donating original cartoon art to this worthy cause for over ten years. It supports Young DC and gives scholarships and support to kids interested in journalism. Free booze too!

Release the Kraken!

2010-10-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest commissioned portrait. It's of a wonderfully fun couple, Thomas and Edna. Edna's a talented graphic designer and Thomas is an equally talented photographer. I'm enjoying reading Thomas' informative photography blog!

Peanuts interview

2010-10-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

Good Grief! I was misquoted. What I said was that I think everyone's a little insecure (not insincere, ugh) and I believe the Peanuts characters had an insecurity that people could relate to. Couldn't we all use Linus' security blanket!?!?!! ARRRRGH!
I also don't think they have a proofreader or spell-check at The Examiner.
For interview, click here .

Wedding Present

2010-09-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

Latest commissioned painting which, I believe, will be a wedding present.

Musee Herge!

2010-08-18T07:40:00.001-07:00

To me, it looks like a cathedral!
The highlight of my summer was the pilgrimage to the Musee Herge in Louvain-La-Neuve, a little bit outside Brussels. Georges Remi (Herge) was the creator/illustrator of the Adventures of Tintin books and I've been an admirer of Herge's "clear line" artwork and of Tintin my whole life and was so excited to learn of the opening last year of a museum dedicated to Herge's life and Tintin. He's one of the major influences in my artwork so a trip to cartoon-friendly Belgium and a visit to the new museum was a lifelong dream come true! The quaint 40 minute train ride from Brussels-Midi station ran through a couple of the towns and countryside areas I recognized as places Herge had lived or worked. Louvain-La-Neuve is a small, but nice university town with the shopping and eateries you'd expect. Signage to the Musee Herge is easy enough to follow although we found a very proud and helpful university worker who was more than happy to lead us to the musee right across from her Philosophy department. It appears ambitious university housing is going up around the area and there was a bit of construction leading up to the musee, but we were focused and arrived right at opening.

Inexpensive entry fee. Understandably no photography inside the exhibit rooms. Pleasant and helpful museum workers (erm, they speak English). I had pretty high expectations for the musee after reading so much about it and I have to admit, it was even better than I hoped for. Best museum ever. A near religious experience for me, to be honest! State of the art headsets and hand-held apparatus that not only informatively guides you through the musee, but also shows images and plays video clips throughout. Elevator takes you up to the top floor and you work your way down through room after room of breathtaking original artwork and displays. The artwork is changed out routinely for preservation purposes (making a return trip probable). You move chronologically along through Herge's career and through carefully designed rooms. I can't describe how pleased I was.
After a couple hours of slowly moving through the rooms and enjoying every little detail, we decided to eat in the Musee's restaurant, Le Petit Vingtieme. We sat outside at a nice table under a huge umbrella and tried to process what we had already seen. The food was great although the wait for it was longer than expected. The idea was to spend as much time "in" the musee and not lounging in the restaurant sipping ice cold Stellas. I would suggest bringing a snack or outside lunch from town. This fresh pasta and pesto was delicious, though!! (Note the Musee's logo on the plates)!We were delighted to find that there was an awesome temporary exhibit on the ground floor of the work of Joost Swarte! One of my favorite illustrators! I met Joost at one of the SPX lectures a couple years ago and was thrilled he was part of the planning and design of this museum. Unfortunately, we were pretty worn out from the previous 6 hours of mouth-dropping Herge artwork to do Mr. Swarte's art justice, but there were many wonderful things to see and a fantastic exhibit catalogue in the gift shop. Needless to say, the gift shop is another highlight and full of everything Tintin you can imagine! Plan on spending an hour in there too (and bringing home an extra suitcase)!
One of the many thoughtful and nice touches around the Musee is that the routes around the grounds are named after Herge characters or things from the books. This was one of Tintin's addresses. Superb!

Two reasons Brussels doesn't suck

2010-07-19T06:05:00.000-07:00

One: Lots of Tintin books and merchandise!
(Bookshop in the Musee de la Bande Dessinee, Brussels) Two: Stella and Heineken in vending machines!!

The Adventures of Tintin

2010-07-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

Just back from holiday in the UK and Brussels. Made a pilgrimage to the new Musee Herge in Louvain-la-Neuve to see all the Tintin original art and artifacts. Truly a fantastic museum dedicated to the art and life of Tintin creator Herge. Above, Tintin in the beautiful Brussels sky above the Editions Lombard building. More to come...

The Flying Carrots of Burlington, Ontario

2010-06-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

I got a very complimentary email from the coach of a hockey team of 7 year olds from Burlington, Ontario (isn't the internet amazing?). They wear orange jerseys and have dubbed their team The Flying Carrots. Coach Paul asked me if they could use an image of mine he had found online on some special year-end pucks for the kids and I was thrilled! I asked for three things in return:
1. A scan of the printed puck.
2. A team photo of The Flying Carrots
3. And lastly, because of their proximity to Toronto and my proximity to Washington, DC...they have to root for the Capitals to beat the Maple Leafs at least once next season.
Deal!
Thanks again, Paul! GO FLYING CARROTS!

Shark Week

2010-06-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

Last week was officially Shark Week when I painted this offering. Ba-dum, ba-dum, bum,bum,bum,bum,bum... Acrylic on canvas, 10"x 20"

Mr. & Mrs. Kong

2010-05-21T05:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a painting I recently finished of the new couple. Now I'll resume looking for Jupiter's missing ring. Anyone seen it?
Acrylic on canvas, 16"x 20"

Fat Bat

2010-05-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

This plus-sized bat-costumed super-hero painting is now hanging with five other of my paintings now through August on the first floor of Georgetown University's Lauinger Library Napolitano Gallery. The exhibit features prints, photographs, and paintings from the very talented Georgetown University Library super-hero staff!
Acrylic on canvas, 10" x 20"

Don't Panic!

2010-05-03T06:08:00.000-07:00

Here's a new painting titled Don't Panic! that I just finished and will hang with a couple others this week in a staff art exhibit at Georgetown University. Just a friendly robot on a walk through the city. No need to panic. Everyone just calm down.
Acrylic on canvas, 16" x 20".

Hairball Tuesday!

2010-04-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

It's always fun to wake up in the morning and walk barefoot downstairs in the dark and step in a gift offering from Itty or Twiglet Hagen.

Omni-Shoreham Ad

2010-03-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of scanning past illustration work to put up on my forthcoming website and found this DC map illustration I had done for the Omni-Shoreham hotel (upper left, on top of the hill). The client was thrilled with it, which is always a plus. I really think DC is a beautiful city (although it doesn't have the violet- colored streets depicted here). I used some artistic license to clear some of the traffic and office buildings, I hope you don't mind. Below, is the inside of the brochure. (city not to scale). color pencil, 11" x 17."

Chicago Cubs & St. Louis Cardinals

2010-03-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

Here's an offering for fans of the Cubs and the Cardinals. I was really happy how all these mascots worked together and the project was a success. I see art as an adventure in problem-solving. You make do with your talent and are challenged by your art supplies and you set off to make something from nothing. This project was a lot of fun and that's just a bonus. Even better when it's something you're proud of.

Florida Marlin?

2010-03-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know it looks more like a pointy-nosed dolphin than a marlin, but you try to draw one that's vertically challenged and holding a baseball bat! You have to admit that at least it's colorful and fish-like! Below is a rough mock-up of how these illustrations would match up with mixed-up heads, torsos, and legs. Hilarity!

Detroit Tigers

2010-03-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd show one of my favorite projects that I illustrated for the Children's Learning Center at the Texas Rangers Baseball Stadium. I was asked to draw eight characters from different major league baseball teams to go on two four-sided, three part mix and match kiosk thingys. Follow? You know, where you can spin the head to match it up with a different torso and then match those with a different leg section for loads of laughs! Hehehe! A (Chicago) bear Cub with (St. Louis) Cardinal bird legs!
It sounded easy until I realized I had to draw a vertical tiger matching up with a vertical marlin, an astronaut matching up with a pirate, etc. Oh, and they all had to have the team's logo or hat and had to be holding a bat or ball. As long as I made the widths of the necks and waists match up, I was golden. Above, is the Detroit Tiger and the tick marks are where the drawing was cut to match with the other drawings that I'll post in additional entries. Below, is photographic evidence of one of the two kiosks that kids spun around at the major league stadium.

American Gothic

2010-02-25T08:14:00.000-08:00

The very nice woman who bought my Mona Lisa painting that was exhibited at Artomatic last summer commissioned a portrait of her parents in the setting of Grant Wood's iconic American Gothic. Great fun!!
Acrylic on canvas, 16" x 20"

Full Moon

2010-02-23T06:22:00.000-08:00

Here's a painting I recently did for my wife, Libby. I really liked the sage green color paint and wanted to do something with it. I'm not sure if I've ever seen a sage green sky or whether a full moon would be able to shine through one, but I like it here (and she does too). Acrylic on canvas, 4" x 8"

dinosaur photo

2010-01-25T10:49:00.000-08:00

Here are some logo ideas I've worked up.
Anyone want to vote for a favorite?
From the top, #1, #2, #3, #4...

All in the Family

2010-01-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

The pressure was on!
Family portrait for my sister's family. Aren't they adorable?!
Acrylic on canvas, 16"x20"Update: Another satisfied customer!

WRLC logo

2010-01-07T12:06:00.000-08:00

Here's a logo I designed for the Washington Research Library Consortium. A group consisting of DC area university libraries (American University, Georgetown, GW, George Mason, Catholic, UDC, etc.). Bold and simple.

Corolla, NC

2009-12-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely time attending a wedding of a good friend last October down at the Outer Banks. It was a beautiful late afternoon outdoor affair on the grounds of the Whalehead Club with a peaceful view of the water and boathouse and a majestic Corolla Lighthouse peering over the treeline. I painted this for a wedding present.
6"x 6" acrylic on canvas.

Gibson

2009-12-15T12:51:00.000-08:00

I remember Bob Gibson as being the most dominate pitcher I had ever watched. He threw so hard, he had the most amazingly violent follow-through that had his arms and legs flying off the side of the mound. If you made him angry, he'd brush you back or hit you with his fastball. A great athlete, former Harlem Globetrotter, a great hitter for a pitcher. He pitched and beat my Red Sox easily three of the games he pitched in the 1967 World Series. The opening game of the 1968 World Series pitted him (the NL strikeout and ERA leader) against 31 game winner Denny McLain and I remember getting out of school and sprinting home to watch the epic pitching match-up. By the time I got home, McLain was already out of the game! Of course, Gibson goes on to set the WS strikeout record striking out the 17th Tiger dramatically in the top of the ninth inning. My best friend, John Gerald and I would practice our best Gibson wind-ups and pitches, never quite with the same accuracy (or speed).

Family Portrait!

2009-12-14T09:37:00.000-08:00

Another family portrait commission in time for the holidays! I even squeezed the family dog in there too!
16" x 20" acrylic on canvas.

Snack Time in New York!

2009-12-07T06:32:00.000-08:00

Yet another Snack Time painting commission! This time munching on NYC.
This monster sure gets around.
16"x 20" acrylic on canvas.

Photostrip

2009-11-30T07:47:00.000-08:00

Ah! Another interesting painting commission. This one is for someone who's giving it as a wedding present to a couple who collects photo booth photostrips and has a past with bed bugs or insect infestation or both, I think. Anyway, better days ahead and best wishes!
12"x 24", acrylic on canvas.

Butterfly Cycle

2009-11-25T07:54:00.000-08:00

Here's a spot illustration of mine that always makes me smile and thought I'd share.

Sierra Blue

2009-11-10T08:05:00.000-08:00

Another commission from Artomatic. Here's a sketch of "Sierra Blue."

Cartoons and Cocktails 2009

2009-10-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

The Cartoons & Cocktails benefit auction is this Thursday, October 22nd at the National Press Club.
http://www.cartoonsandcocktails.org/index.htm
I think this might be the tenth year I've been asked to participate and donate a cartoon or two. I remember the first year I went, there were two original Peanuts daily strips amongst the cartoons for auction on the silent auction tables and I believe I got outbid for one of them at $75. Looking at the prices they command on ebay...I should have gone $77!
Here's one of the clunkers that I donated this year.

New logo!

2009-10-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

The Georgetown University Library redesigned their website and decided it also needed a fresh new logo to go with the fresh look.
http://www.library.georgetown.edu/
This design of mine is the one they liked the best. Incorporating Georgetown's "blue and grey," the ambiguous figure can be a book (the Library has lots of them) or tilted...a laptop computer. Brilliant! The little pieces flying off into space can be seen as little pages of knowledge or citations or webpages or perhaps crumbling old pieces of book (the Library does have a preservation dept.) Anyway, it's fun to see my logo now on pens and plastic bags and stuff.

Billions of blistering blue barnacles!?!

2009-09-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

My awesome new license plate!
I can't be happier.

Hello!

2009-09-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite images.
Acrylic on canvas.

Snack Time in Chicago!

2009-08-31T12:52:00.000-07:00

A variant of the earlier Snack Time painting that was in Artomatic.
This commission is for someone in Chicago.
Yum! Acrylic on canvas 16"x 20"

All in the Family

2009-08-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

Here's a rather extended family illustration I drew recently for a client's children's book proposal. Email me if you'd like a copy of the illustration.

Robo-Dog!

2009-08-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

Commissioned painting from Artomatic! Making it's way to NYC right now.
Robo-Dog is actually a robot portrait of their dog.
Acrylic on canvas, 20"x 24"

2009

2009-08-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Well, the Mustangs lost in the first round of the playoffs and the season is over for us. I did well batting lead-off or second in the lineup and batted .500 for the season. Wait till next year!

No Idea!

2009-08-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a man with "No Eye Deer." ...Get it?
It's an illustration I drew for services at a health club.
Er..I got no idea.
Email me if you'd like a print of this cartoon.

Awesome Ed

2009-07-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

The photo says it all. T-shirt for his Japan trip.

Bed Bug!

2009-07-09T06:26:00.000-07:00

A commissioned piece from Artomatic patron. Apparently had issues with bed bugs and this painting will be a lasting memory long after the itching stops.
16"x 20" acrylic on canvas.

Killer

2009-06-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

Harmon Killebrew was a feared power hitter with the nicknames "Killer" and "Hammerin' Harmon." Despite his "Killer" nickname and his powerful stocky build, Killebrew was in fact a quiet, kind man who didn't really join in with his partying teammates. Asked by reporters what he liked to do for fun, Killebrew replied, "Well, I like to wash dishes, I guess." I like Harmon.

Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, I will admit that I have tried to moon-walk.
I know most of the lyrics to most of the Jackson 5 songs.
One of the first paying jobs I ever had as an illustrator was a b&w spot illustration of the Gloved One around 1982(?)
Rest In Peace.

Family Portrait!

2009-06-24T09:50:00.001-07:00

Here's a painting commission from Artomatic!
Family portrait! 16"x 20" acrylic on canvas.

Artomatic is here!

2009-05-27T09:10:00.001-07:00

Here's my wall on the 8th floor at ARTOMATIC 2009! Come see it live! Lots of art!

WHAT: Artomatic, an arts extravaganza featuring hundreds of local artists — visual artists, musicians, dancers, filmmakers, and many more. Nine floors of creativity!

WHEN: May 29 to July 5. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 12 noon – 1 a.m.; Sundays, 12 noon – 10 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

WHERE: 55 M St, SE (at Half Street) in D.C.’s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. Right above the Navy Yard Metro ballpark exit (green line), a block from Nationals Stadium. Here's the view from my art space on the 8th floor! Centerfield seats!
http://artomatic.org

Don't forget to sign the guest book so I know you were there!

Defense

2009-05-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

Defense and durability is what most Cubs fans will remember about Don Kessinger. He came from the era of shortstops who played great defense but provided little offense. I remember countless times he would range far to his right and in one fluid motion, snare the ground ball and leap and throw from deep in the hole to first base. It was like ballet.
I always liked the photo of this card from the 1966 set.

Bow Wow!

2009-05-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

I'm finishing up illustrations for a children's book, Where is Scotty's Basketball?
I like Scotty's dog!

21

2009-05-13T06:11:00.000-07:00

I vividly remember Roberto Clemente throwing out an Oriole runner at third base from his position in rightfield in a 1971 World Series game. One of the most amazing throws I had ever seen. No hop, right on the line, laser beam. Broadcaster Vin Scully colorfully claimed, "Clemente could field the ball in New York and throw out a guy in Pennsylvania." The Pirates won the seven-game Series mainly because of MVP Clemente's hitting, fielding and throwing.
He died tragically during an earthquake relief effort in 1972 when the helicopter he was traveling in crashed into the ocean. I'm looking forward to getting the graphic novel about Clemente's life by Wilfred Santiago titled 21.
There's a nice animated website about the book: http://21comix.com/

citywalk

2009-05-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite illustrations is now up on the aforementioned Zazzle site. A friendly urban-dwelling robot strolls through the city. "Now where's that restaurant?" Click on the b&w monster to the right to go zazzle shopping!

Wrigley Ivy

2009-05-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

Wrigley Ivy image is now on the Zazzle t-shirt site for those that requested it. Click monster on the right to get to site. Coffee mug for Father's Day, Karen? "Cubs win! Cubs win!"

Cha-Ching!

2009-04-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

Due to popular demand. Several attractive designs available. Get your official Hagen Illustration T-shirts!!
Be the first on your block to visit my zazzle shop for the latest in fashion.
http://www.zazzle.com/davidhagen

Mr. Cub

2009-04-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Ernie Banks was another one of my favorite players. How can you not like a guy who is known for his catch phrase, "It's a beautiful day for a ballgame, let's play two!" I don't think I've ever seen a photo of him where he's not smiling.

Artomatic!

2009-04-27T05:52:00.000-07:00

Artomatic is a month-long art exhibit held in a different spot in DC each year. This year, May 29-July 5. I wanted to do it this year because, one, it's the 10th year anniversary of the event, two, it's in a beautiful location, and three, I have paintings. It's being held in a brand new empty 9-story office building next to Nationals Park. I got an awesome site selection time! I somehow got 3pm on Saturday and we had the choice of the 8th or 3rd floor. I chose 8th because I figured people would either start on the 9th and work their way down and that would be good whereas if they start on the 1st floor and work up, they might be burned out by the time they get to the 3rd. When I got to the 8th floor, I had my pick of anywhere! I chose a spot that faces a huge floor to ceiling window and a breath-taking view of Nationals Park and to the right, a view of July 4th fireworks. The Orientation Dude said I had the best spot because across from my wall is going to be a lounge (because of the view of the ballpark). I'm so psyched! The event is free to the public and will feature 1000 artists of all sorts. Nine floors! 55 M St, SE (Green Line, Navy Yard/Nationals Park Metro Stop).

Red Sox Nation

2009-04-24T05:43:00.001-07:00

I was amazed last summer when I took my daughter to Camden Yards to watch the Orioles play the Red Sox. She wanted to wear her Red Sox gear and I talked her out of it, simply saying it's not cool to wear "visiting" team stuff to a home stadium. I saw a grandmother pelted with garbage in Yankee Stadium for wearing a Cubs hat (not even in the same league)! Anyway as we approached the stadium, we noticed all the vendors selling Red Sox stuff and everyone milling around had Red Sox shirts! Inside Camden Yards there were 30,000 Red Sox fans and about 5000 Oriole fans. I'd never seen anything like it for an "away" game. A guy standing next to me in the hot dog line in a "Camden Yards/Fenway South" shirt told me that all the games at Fenway Park were sold out and it was cheaper to take the train down to Baltimore and stay the weekend and buy plentiful Oriole tickets to watch their beloved Saux. I ended up buying Paige a Red Sox shirt to put on so she wouldn't be left out! These three cards here were commissioned by Ben Henry. I think I must have met Petrocelli once because I have his signature on an old ball. I think I pestered him while watching batting practice in Fenway Park on a summer vacation trip in the early Seventies. Thanks Ben! I hope you like.

Never Quite the Same

2009-04-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

Two Red Sox greats who had careers cut short by injuries, Tony Conigliaro and Jim Lonborg, are this week's submissions. Popular Tony C was beaned in the head with a fastball and was understandably never quite the same. I believe the ear flap on the batting helmet began to appear after his frightening accident. I shook hands with him when he was trying to make a comeback with the Angels in 1971 and he signed a ball I had brought to the Senators' game with me. Jim Lonborg had an amazing pitching season in 1967 and a great World Series and then broke his leg in a skiing accident that winter and was never quite the same. He went on to have a career in dentistry. Thanks to Ben Henry for the request!

Weekend Section

2009-04-17T09:08:00.000-07:00

Last two weekends to see my exhibit of paintings before it goes down on the 27th!
Mentioned in the Washington Post Weekend Section today! Go early, expect major crowds! Free candy! 1711 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA.

All-Star Break

2009-04-16T05:41:00.000-07:00

I think I drew this when I was around 11 years old. An early graphic novel indeed! I think I must have drawn hundreds of pages of this nine inning All-Star game. The thing that I find hilarious reading it now is that everyone either hits a home run or strikes out. My favorite players hit three or four home runs in the game and the others have three or four strikeouts. I think I finally finished this masterpiece when I lost my green crayon or just got tired of drawing grass. click image to see larger

Koufax

2009-04-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

Sandy Koufax retired with an excruciatingly painful pitching arm by the time I became aware of baseball so I never got to see him pitch live. I've seen film and video of him and he looked downright over-powering. I also remember seeing postgame interviews with him with huge ice packs icing down his inflamed elbow and shoulder.

715

2009-04-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

Thirty-five years ago, yesterday, Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's home run record. I read an incredible story about the death threats he received as he approached the record and how Atlanta reporters had obituaries prepared for him as the 1974 season opened. Hank did it without steroids and had the quickest wrists in baseball. Great nicknames, "Hammerin' Hank, Oh Henry."

22

2009-04-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

I loved to watch Jim Palmer pitch with his long stretch of a delivery. I believe this 1966 edition was his rookie card. My fondest memory of Jim Palmer doesn't come from the field (or his underwear ad). It was after he retired and he was doing Oriole television commentary. After a late game in Memorial Stadium, I had waited about half an hour for the crowd to clear before heading home and I was walking down the long concrete ramps from the upper deck to the parking lot and looked to my right and there was Jim Palmer! The two of us slowly walked down the ramps in the hot summer night and he looked happy, carefree and at peace and so cool in his jacket and tie despite the humidity. I didn't bother him or speak to him. He had finished his work and was heading home like everyone else that night.

Hondo

2009-04-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

Frank Howard was the hometown hero in DC in the late sixties. He was the league home run leader in 1968, 1970 and at 6'7" , the bat looked like a toothpick in his hands. He was the Senators' All-Star from 1968-1971 and had an "all-or-nothing" powerful swing. They painted a couple seats in the RFK Stadium upper deck where some of his most impressive home runs landed. I remember a funny story when Ted Williams became manager of the Senators in 1969 he asked a sportswriter about the specially painted seats and the writer said that those seats marked where Hondo's tape-measure home runs landed and the unimpressed Williams said, "And what are all the other seats...his strikeouts?"
Howard was Washington baseball and I can still remember watching him towel off the sweat in the on-deck circle in the humid August night.