Robert Hofherr
Marshfield, Massachusetts
Artist Robert Hofherr paints fauvist expressions, infusing his work with a strong statement reflected in his bold application of colors and spontaneous brushwork. Robert refrains from depicting a scene in its literal sense and lets the viewer reimagine a piece with their imagination. Following art school, Robert spent decades as an advertising and graphic design professional. "After my children had grown and became independent, I reconnected with painting," shares Robert. Inspired by the French artists Maurice de Vlaminck and André Derain, he now paints in an unused bedroom in his home, often accompanied by the soothing melodies of classical music. When he is not working, Robert enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, and exploring the magnificent landscapes of the mid-Atlantic region.
Artist Statement
Inspired by artists as diverse as the Fauvists Dufy, Derain and de Vlaminck, Paul Klee, Kandinsky's Blue Rider group, the German Expressionists, Picasso, Matisse, American artists Grace Hartigan and Jason Berger and English painters Ivon Hitchens and Keith Vaughan, my works attempt to re-imagine the everyday world in a new form with color, energetic paint application and the elimination of unnecessary detail.
I attempt to take everything successfully in a painting and have it available for use in any subsequent work. My latest works make use of underpaintings consisting of abstract splashes of often bold colors. The elements of the painting are then explored in a manner that allows much of the underpainting to remain visible and be part of the composition. This creates visual tension and adds interest. My goal is to do works that do not give up their secrets on the initial encounter but continue to interest viewers and surprise them over time.
I attempt to take everything successfully in a painting and have it available for use in any subsequent work. My latest works make use of underpaintings consisting of abstract splashes of often bold colors. The elements of the painting are then explored in a manner that allows much of the underpainting to remain visible and be part of the composition. This creates visual tension and adds interest. My goal is to do works that do not give up their secrets on the initial encounter but continue to interest viewers and surprise them over time.
Artist Background
The Cooper Union
Bachelor of Fine Arts, 1980
Press
Why Amazon's Art Experiment Might Pay Off
The Changing Landscape of Art Sales
Lancaster County Art Association highlights members
Robert Hofherr: Transforming Landscapes with Color