Douglas Hofmann was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1945 and began his training in art after high school at the Maryland Institute of Art. During his first year there he discovered Joseph Sheppard who would be significant mentor and influence throughout his career. He began studying with Sheppard, taking on anatomy, drawing and painting from the model, all of which were new to Hofmann.

There he also discovered the Maroger method, which enables the artist to use thin layers of paint and techniques similar to those of the Old Masters. Through his burgeoning interest in the Old Masters, Hofmann began to develop his individual taste. Emulating Vermeer, he painted situations from his home and studio using his wife and children as his models. Hofmann later expanded his subject matter to include his memorable nudes and his much-loved ballet works.  Though his subjects have changed over the years, women have always dominated his panels and prints.

Hofmann has been exhibited at prestigious galleries and museums in every major city in U.S.A. and in Japan. He has received numerous awards for his works, including first prize at the Peale Museum in Baltimore, 1970; “Best Paintings in the Traditional Manner” at the Baltimore Museum, 1971, “Best in Show” at the Washington County Museum, Hagerstown, MD, 1972; “Best in Show” at the Center Club in Baltimore, 1973 and 1978. In 1988 he was awarded a Certificate of Merit for his painting The Secret by the Salmagundi Club at its Eleventh Annual Nonmembers Juried Exhibition.