Cerulean Warbler

About Cerulean Warbler

This contemporary mixed media portrait of a bird is by Peter Hoffer.

The superb compositions of Peter Hoffer are reminiscent of artwork from past centuries that chronicled images of local bird species. Hoffer has long established a reputation as a fine artist best known for his romantic landscapes. His distinctive bird portraits such as this warbler, a small, colourful bird found in North America are made contemporary by the inspired backdrop. The viewer’s eye is drawn to the central image of this little sky blue-coloured bird sitting on a branch as it’s surrounded by a flash of bright cerulean blue. Layers of paint in a tapestry of vibrant colours create a dynamic backdrop.
Influenced by the 19th century practice of Parisian Salon artists who would ‘refresh’ paintings with another coat of varnish, Hoffer often adds multiple layers of resin to his work. The shiny finish adds attractive reflective qualities to the work and makes a classic image appear modern. Markings, paint drippings and expressive brushwork confirms the modernist approach.

"You start seeing… the blobs of paint and the drips and to me that's what is communicating the true landscape, the layers. That's what's interesting, the layers." Peter Hoffer

"While we admire the beauty of the work, we are aware of a modern artist asking us to consider the process and the act of creation itself. “ Lynn Moore, Art Critic, Montreal Gazette

Peter Hoffer holds an MFA from Concordia University and degrees from the University of Guelph and OCAD University. Hoffer has lived and worked in Toronto, New York City, Paris, Montreal and Berlin. He has exhibited widely at art fairs in Basel, Toronto, New York, Stockholm, London, Milan, Amsterdam and Hong Kong. His paintings are held in many private, corporate and public collections around the world.