MICHAEL HOFFEE

Michael went from Outsider artist painting through the pain of injury, addiction and recovery — to creating oversized, explosive and vibrant flowers and still life interiors that vibrate with so much energy you feel as though you could step right into one of the iconic locations Hoffee depicted with his own unique, whimsical flair.

Michael's Art Style & Evolution

Hoffee began painting in a hospital bed using acrylic paints and oil pastels. His early art often included anguished portraits, urban cityscapes and towering figures or heads. There is a spiritual element infused into each piece, a reflection of his inner journey. The art was intuitive, abstracted and expressive. Intricate design and patterns were drawn with whatever he had available — sharpie markers, oil pastels scraped away with the end of a paintbrush or even crayons. His way of painting was brut, quick and not in accordance with any direct influence from the art world, he was an Outsider artist.

Early on, Michael and Diane found a shared studio space and Michael showed his art in local galleries. He submitted his art to an online Outsider Art collection (now known as the IOEMA Collection), which gave him international visibility. During his time as part of that collective he initiated several collaborations and shows with other Outsider artists including French artist Francisco Garieri, Polish artist Maciej Hoffman, and artist Mikey Welsh. 

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  • After recovering from injury and addiction in St. Helena, California, Michael and his family visited the Napa and Sonoma region weekly. Hoffee was inspired by the art, beautiful wineries, stunning landscape and world-class restaurants. One day, during a trip to Napa Valley, Michael was so inspired by the beautiful gardens at Trefethen Family Vineyard that he told Diane he only wanted to paint pretty pictures. This marked a turning point in his art.

  • Michael’s art evolved into oversized florals and flamboyant interiors. His large, colorful acrylic pieces pop and vibrate with positive energy. This inviting style he became so well-known for and described as “not so still, still lifes,” was inspired by beautiful and joyful places, with names reflecting his experience of a pleasurable moment in time, such as Window Table at Auberge du Soleil, Breakfast at Hotel Negresco, or Spring in Yountville.

  • He became a well-known West Coast artist showing in many prestigious galleries and exhibitions including, The Christopher HIll Gallery as well as being invited to the Florence Biennale three times.

    All of Michael’s art came from a pure love of artistic expression. The paintings are not just pretty or beautiful pictures, they are a deeper reflection of the human condition. They represent the spectrum of all that we can feel from the darkest lows to exuberant joy, or a moment of pure contentment.

Michael's Story

Michael Hoffee was born in 1951 in Los Angeles, California. His creative and free spirit was shaped by growing up in Hermosa Beach around the surf culture, music, garage bands, and being influenced by other iconic areas such as Venice Beach and Hollywood. 

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