I ran across David Hagen’s art at ArtOMatic 2009.  It made me smile.  It made me think:  my husband will love this.  It made me bring my husband to his exhibit to verify that, yes, in fact, he did love it.  It is whimsical and while being stalked by a giant robot might not be joyful, the idea and execution of it surely is.

As it turns out, 2009 was David’s first artomatic.  He says, “I didn’t know what to expect when I first signed up in 2009, but was intrigued by the site being situated next to Nationals Park and a subway stop in the building’s basement.  You couldn’t ask for a better situation.”

He also exhibited in the first ArtOMatic @Frederick, MD, last fall, which he says was “much smaller in size, but just as large in heart.”  He counts that as two-and-a-half ArtOMatics he’s been in (counting 2012).

David says that he loves making people smile with his artwork [ed note: oh, well done, David! you certainly accomplish that!]and that he keeps ideas in several small sketchbooks.  “I put the ideas on canvas to tell the joke basically.  It’s sort of a visual language and I love playing with bold, bright colors and clean black lines.  ArtOMatic is a super opportunity to get my artwork out of my studio and in front of my adoring public.  With all the talented artists participating and fantastic art in every nook and cranny, I wanted to pick the best art that I have produced and hopefully

be recognized as a peer.  I tried to relax on the robots, but two did sneak in.”

This year, David is “nestled on the 8th floor.  Off the elevators, make a left at the water fountain, first room on the right.  Look for the Invisible Man.”  And don’t forget to check out the column near David’s wall, where you can see drawings he did directly on the surface. When asked why a visitor should make a special trip to his space he replied with his usual modesty:  “Because it’s freakin’ awesome!”  (he also notes:  “Remember:  8 is GR8”).

How long have you been making art?

I’ve been making art ever since I could hold a crayon.  I’m a member of the National Cartoonists Society and the Washington Metro Area Illustrators Club.  I”ve been a freelance cartoonist and illustrator for 30 years and a photographer/graphic artist for Georgetown University for the same time.

Tell us a bit about your materials and techniques.

My paintings really came about with the invention of the acrylic paint pen.  Sharpie makes a paint pen in several widths that puts out a thick black acrylic line.  After transferring a sketch in pencil on a blank canvas, I lay in the clear black outlines and then paint in the bright color with brushes (sometimes three to four coats to get a smooth consistent, solid block of color).  Then I go over the black lines again with brush or paint pen.  After the painting dries for a couple days, I spray on a coat or two of protective varnish which gives it a little additional pop!

What is the role of the artist in society?

Art has a tremendous role in shaping and developing a culture and defining a civilization.  Is that too deep?

What is the place of your work in society?

Court jester?  No, really, I enjoy bringing people together for a laugh.  There was a lounge across from my artwork at the last ArtOMatic and I really enjoyed sitting there and observing people reacting to my artwork.  I got great satisfaction from my stakeouts watching young and old, hipsters, nerds coming together in smiles.

What do you do when/if you hit a slump?

Daydream while sitting in traffic.  I can usually jumpstart creativity by reading books and trashy magazines.

Who are your favorite artists and what inspiration do you draw from them?

My all-time favorite artist/cartoonish was Herge, who drew the Tintin adventures.  He was the father of the “ligne clare” or clear line – strong uniform lines, little cross-hatching, bold colors, equal attention to every element.  The biggest complimnet that was written in my ArtOMatic guest book was that my artwork reminded the person of Herge’s.  Another cartoonist, Bud Blake, is also a hero of mine.  He drew the comic strip Tiger and would get the most expression and movement out of the least amount of line.  I think more was left to the imagination and the viewer could put themselves into the scene.  I like to blend these elements.

Have you had a chance to look around artOMatic yet this year?  Do you have any instant favorites?  any returning favorites?

I haven’t had a chance to explore every floor yet.  Do I get extra credit for mentioning Tammy Vitale’s wonderful sculptures?  [ed note:  yes, he gets my forever wishes that he never have ants at his picnics for his kind mention.]

Anything else?

I really enjoyed getting lots of commissions from the last ArtOMatic for family or pet portraits.  Many were given as gifts and people really got a kick out of them.  They kept me busy for the last two years without a DC ArtOMatic and I look forward to doing more.

You can email David at:  hagend@Georgetown.edu, and see more of his work on his website:  http://www.hagenillustration.blogspot.com.

To read more interviews and see more photographs from ArtOMatic 2012 and earlier ArtOMatics, go here.