Artist Spotlight: Miriam Hoffman
Miriam Hoffmann is a contemporary mixed-media portrait artist who lives and works in Atlanta, GA. She taught herself to paint in 2020 after taking an online course. We spoke with Miriam recently about how she works with R&F Pigment Sticks®, what her studio day looks like, and why she is drawn to portraiture.
Please tell us a little about yourself. How did you get your start as an artist?
I started painting in 2020 at the height of Covid lockdowns. Almost overnight I found myself out of a job and homeschooling 3 small children under the age of 5. I needed a creative outlet. I decided I was going to learn to paint and so I spent every moment during nap time and after the kids went to bed doing so. Its been a passion ever since.
Initially, I took an online class through Vitruvian Fine Art Studio. It was all about learning to draw. I learned so much and was so exited that I never actually finished the class. I was too busy working on my own art. I spent many, many hours watching YouTube videos and Instagram videos of oil painters. My favorites to watch were Andrew Cadima and Henrik Uldalen. I loved how they went straight to the canvas with their paint and I wanted to do the same.
I’ve never attended any formal art education and consider myself self taught.
“I absolutely adore R&F Pigment Sticks®. I use them in stick form to start out most of my paintings and again later on in the process with my paint brush. I love how soft and smooth the paints blend.”
How are R&F Pigment Sticks® a part of your painting practice?
I absolutely adore R&F Pigment Sticks®. I use them in stick form to start out most of my paintings and again later on in the process with my paint brush. I love how soft and smooth the paints blend.
Do you have specific go to colors you can't live without?
Yes! Lamp black and Brilliant Yellow Extra Pale. Although they are all my favorites.
Blocking in shape and color with Pigment Stick®.
Finished painting.
What's a typical studio day like for you? What keeps you motivated?
A typical day starts at 8am. I like to listen to a podcast or audiobook while I paint in the mornings. Its quite nice and relaxing, especially with a cup of coffee next to me. When 2pm hits, its time to pick up my kids from school and switch to mom mode.
Using Pigment Stick® on a brush for fine details.
Why portraits?
I've always been drawn to portraits. I'm not sure why. I have very little desire to paint anything else. I think there is so much beauty in the subtleties of the human face.
The majority of my paintings start with a reference photo. My models consist of friends, family members, myself, and local models I meet through figure drawing meet ups.
What are you currently working on in the studio?
Currently I'm working on finishing up pieces for my upcoming show this December at Arcadia Contemporary. I have about 15 pieces I'm working on. The most I’ve ever worked on at one time.
Miriam’s current Pigment Stick® palette.
To see more of Miriam’s work, visit miriamhoffmannart.com.