Having spent a prolonged period of time painting abroad during the 1980s, O’Hagan settled in Australia, drawing on his travels as inspiration for his works. As well, his early career as an architect and curator for the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, combined with his taste for the ‘finer things’ in life, are elements that influence his painting. 

In 1998, in recognition of his artistic talent, O’Hagan was appointed Artist in Residence at the prestigious Champagne House Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. His base was the Widow Clicquot’s historic Manoir de Verzynear Reims, France.

In 2002 O’Hagan tragically lost his home and studio in the Canberra bush fires. This devastating loss was the catalyst for a period of extensive travel through Europe and in 2005 he completed a series of paintings based on his time abroad, particularly in the vineyards of France. The paintings also depicted another of his enduring passions; fine Australian and New Zealand wines. Late in 2005, O’Hagan completed a commissioned painting in a new style that celebrated Veuve Clicquot’s modernity.

The work specifically referenced the collaborative design of Christophe Pillet and Christian Lacroix that created a new modern appearance for the exceptional vintage; La Grande Dame. This painting now hangs in the new La Grande Dame Room at Veuve Clicquot’s head office in Reims.

O’Hagan lived and work in Australia, but continued to travel and paint watercolours and gouache in a fresh calligraphic style. He exhibited at ‘home’ in Auckland and at other leading galleries in London, Paris, Melbourne and Sydney. His work has been purchased for leading corporate collections such as Air New Zealand, Hyatt Hotels, the Hotel de Crillon (Paris), Venice Simplon Orient Express, The Government of Macau and of course, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin.

Peter O’Hagan sadly died in Sydney in March 2013.