The Life and Work of Nancy Hagin
Nancy Hagin remains an active presence in the American art scene. Born in 1940, the painter operates through a variety of technical approaches. Her practice moves between the fluid control of watercolor and the layered precision of silkscreen. She also works extensively with acrylic on canvas, applying pigment to create structured compositions.
The artist's output reflects a commitment to diverse mediums. In one moment, she explores the delicate transparency of watercolor; in another, she utilizes the graphic qualities of silkscreen. This technical versatility defines her career. She continues to create, maintaining her practice as a living artist.
Notable Artworks and Collections
The New Britain Museum of American Art holds Shelves, a work created about 1980. This piece remains a central part of the museum's permanent collection. The composition shifts toward different textures and mediums in the years that follow.
In 1983, Hagin produced Lilies and Brocade, a watercolor that explores intricate patterns. The work carries a specific provenance, having been associated with the Fischbach Gallery in New York. This period of her practice shows a focus on the interplay between organic forms and structured surfaces.
The artist also works in acrylic on canvas, as seen in Winter Garden. This piece moves away from the delicate application of watercolor toward the heavier, more opaque qualities of acrylic. Her output during this era includes various explorations of light and domestic or botanical arrangements.
- Red & White Quilt Silkscreen (1987)
- Milk Glass Bouquet
Significant Pieces and Provenance
The provenance of Hagin's works often traces back to established commercial spaces. The 1983 watercolor Lilies and Brocade carries a history linked to the Fischbach Gallery in New York. This piece, measuring 29.25 x 41.5 inches, bears the artist's signature, date, and copyright in the lower right corner.
Other works demonstrate a shift in medium and scale. The silkscreen Red & White Quilt dates to 1987. In a different format, the acrylic on canvas work Winter Garden measures 30 x 36 inches. The artist also produced Milk Glass Bouquet, a piece that has appeared in auction settings.
