In the realm of artistry, some creators stand out not just for their talent, but for the profound essence they infuse into their work.
Shany Hagan is one such luminary whose journey through life is as vibrant and captivating as the strokes of her brush on canvas. A versatile artist, Hagan’s creations are not just visual spectacles; they are windows into the human soul, each piece telling a story of resilience, hope, and the sheer beauty of existence.
Shany Hagan is a single mum and spends her time painting and donating her art to different charities, so far raising over £300k for over 50 charities. She paints for the NHS, celebrities and their charities, film covers and Royal Commissions. A couple of years ago Shany underwent eye surgery which restored her vision through a miracle operation and so she wanted to give something back and started painting soon afterwards.
Shany is a Yorkshire artist and has recently been commissioned by Mike Read, the former Radio 1 DJ, to paint his Heritage Chart Show 50th Anniversary painting, which will then be shown in over 70 countries. Her art has been recognised by lots of celebrities and Shany believes her sight being restored, enabling her to paint, has been for a reason and so uses her artistic skills to help people. Some of Shany’s work, featuring well-known celebrities, goes on to be sold at auctions to raise vital funds for charities such as Parkinsons UK and Children’s Cancer charities.
She even received a message of thanks from her late HRH Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II after donating a special Platinum Jubilee portrait. Shany Hagan said:
“My journey started at the beginning of lockdown. I sold my house I was furloughed and had eye surgery as my vision wasn’t good all my life, it made me think about my life working in a miserable office job. So after I recovered from surgery I picked up a paintbrush and so began my incredible journey. It’s like a film.
“I began to post my first bits of Art on social media, and two weeks later commissions began to flood in from around the world, from the biggest stars in the world, my first commission was from Mike Read for his dear friends 80th Birthday Sir Cliff Richard. I have painted for Hollywood Netflix film covers Royal Commissions amazing feedback from the worked greatest stars, also I wanted to help people so painting for over 50 charities and raised £317k indicating my Art. The last painting sold for £12k for World Champion Edfie Kidd OBE.”
“I wanted to try something different to paint for a change and they worked out really good. The late Queen Elizabeth II was painted with my favourite drink, tea and food colouring and that painting will be going to the homeless charity I support. The Queen Elizabeth II saw the painting before she passed away and wrote me a letter thanking me for donating it to the homeless.”
Shany Hagan has gone on to produce work for celebrities recognised all over the world, including Spice Girl, Mel B, Sir Cliff Richard, Bob Champion, and Frank Bruno. Her art has been recognised by lots of celebrities and Shany believes her sight being restored, enabling her to paint, has been for a reason and so uses her artistic skills to help people.
Her latest commission is two paintings of the Royal Air Force’s iconic Red Arrows before they were relocated to RAF Waddington following the closure of their Scampton home. One is already live with the other due to go out in March – with that money also being split between three charities.
Shany Hagan added: “I just want to continue helping as many people as possible and obviously the more popular I get, the more money generated and the more people I will be able to help.”
At the heart of Shany Hagan’s art lies a deep-seated passion for life – its joys, its struggles, and its inherent contradictions. Through her vivid brushstrokes and evocative imagery, she invites viewers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, challenging them to confront their fears, embrace their flaws, and celebrate their humanity. Each painting is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope waiting to be discovered.
As Shany Hagan continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, her impact reverberates far beyond the confines of the studio. Through her unwavering dedication to her craft and her commitment to social activism, she has emerged not just as an artist, but as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all those who dare to dream. In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, her art reminds us of the beauty that lies in the human experience – a beauty that is as boundless and infinite as the imagination itself.
For more information about Shany’s work, please visit www.instagram.com/ShanyHagan
