Douglas Hofmann

Douglas Hofmann (b. 1945) is an American painter acclaimed for his luminous, meticulously crafted works that merge Old Master techniques with a modern sensibility. Trained at the Maryland Institute College of Art, Hofmann mastered anatomy, drawing, and classical oil methods, adapting them into a signature style defined by layered glazes, glowing surfaces, and soft, atmospheric light.

While inspired by Vermeer’s interiors, Degas’s dancers, and Mucha’s elegance, Hofmann transforms these traditions into something distinctly his own. His subjects often include dancers, still lifes, and women presented not as passive muses but as central figures in narratives of grace, strength, and timeless beauty. Each painting balances classical detail with contemporary relevance, appealing to today’s collectors who seek works that feel both historically rooted and emotionally resonant.

Exhibited in major galleries and museums throughout the U.S. and internationally, Hofmann’s work has received numerous awards, including honors from the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Peale Museum, and the Salmagundi Club in New York. His paintings continue to captivate collectors for their rare ability to combine technical mastery with intimacy, romance, and a sense of dreamlike escape.

“With my paintings, I strive to get the feeling of air. There is a ‘signature’ to the work that reveals my hand, my feelings, and my personality. You can see the manipulation of the paint and the brush strokes. I don’t want to paint everyday scenes. I’m a dreamer. I want to express a romantic feeling in my work. This appeals to me as a form of self-expression in today’s world of structured reality.”