Mary L Hoffman has been immersed in the world of art since early childhood. Driven by a lifelong passion for drawing and painting, she set her sights on becoming a professional artist at an early age. As her skills matured, she gained recognition for her refined and expressive portraiture. Her commissioned works in oil and charcoal helped finance her education at the Cleveland Institute of Art, where she earned a BFA in 1989.

 

Since then, Mary has been commissioned by CEOs, athletes, actors, models, universities, and private collectors around the world. Her portraits are celebrated for their elegance, sensitivity, and timeless quality.

 

After graduation, Mary joined the local Society of Painters and Sculptors and began entering juried fine art shows. She earned several awards, including a Best of Show title and multiple Ribbons and awards building a reputation for both technical excellence and emotional depth.

 

In 1991, Mary relocated to South Carolina, where she began teaching life drawing, portrait painting, and foundational drawing courses. She continued her portrait practice while expanding into large-scale murals for businesses, churches, and private homes beginning in 1998.

 

Mary discovered plein air painting in 2005, which sparked a new creative direction and deepened her connection to landscape and light. Today, she blends her passions—portraiture, still life, and plein air painting—and travels across the Eastern United States to participate in festivals and paint-outs.

 

Her work is showcased and available for purchase on her website. Mary lives in South Carolina with her husband and their two children.

 

 

      

 

Today, Mary enjoys combining her love of the portrait and figure with painting Plein Air landscapes and Still Life Studio work.  She travels painting and teaching workshops and Plein Air paint-outs all over the United States.  

 

        

Plein Air Painting is one of Mary's favorite ways to express her artist skills.

 

Memberships include:

 

American Impressionist Society

Oil Painters of America

Charleston Artist Guild

Summerville Artist Guild

Portrait Society of America

American Women Artists

 

Juried Exhibits, Invitationals & Curated Shows:

 

https://canvasrebel.com/meet-mary-hoffman/#mce_temp_url#

 

2026 - "Walk Through" a Cine' Creative House Production with The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, SC 2026 - 1st Place Ribbon Plein Air Painters of the South East (PAP-SE) Quick Paint 2026 - Award of Merit Ribbon - Edisto Plein Air Paint Out 2025 - As Seen on Magnolia Network 2025 - 1st Place Ribbon in Oil Category "Figure Study" 2025 - Honorable Mention "Magnolia Bridge" 2024  - HONORABLE MENTION AWARD "Amazing Grace" 28x22 Oil on Belgian Linen Canvas - MOJA JURIED ART EXHIBITION - The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents the 2024 MOJA Juried Art Exhibition

2024 - As Seen in Serena & Lily Magazine 

2024 - Featured Art - Southern Living Idea Home at Kiawah River Charleston SC 

3rd Place Ribbon - Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition 2022

Merit Award - Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition 2021

Award of Excellence  Wet Paint Competition  "Kristin in a Yellow T-Shirt"  - Oil Painters of America - September 2020

1st Place Blue Ribbon - April 2018 Artfields Portrait Painting Contest

ArtMuse Contest Master Class Finalist  "McClellanville Cottage" - May 2019  http://www.artmusecontest.com/may-2019-entries

2nd Place Red Ribbon - April 2016 Artfields Portrait Painting Contest

Quick Paint Blue Ribbon Winner - July 2016 Cashiers Plein Air Festival, Cashiers, NC 

Honorable Mention Winner - July 2016 Castine Plein Air Festival, Castine, ME

 "Best in Show" Ribbon 1991 The Dayton Society of Painters & Sculptors

 

FASO FAV15% Favorite Winner  "Whatever Floats Your Boat" - August 2020 

FASO FAV15% Favorite Winner  "Berries on a Quilt" - May 2019 

FASO FAV15% Favorite Winner  "McClellanville Cottage" - May 2019 

FAV15% BoldBrush Painting Competition  "Oysters on the Half Shell" March 2019 
FAV15% (jury's favorite 15% of the entries)  "Flowers and Figs Still Life" the  in the December 2018 BoldBrush Painting competition. 

FASO 15% Favorite Winner   "Family Tree" April 2018

FASO 15% Favorite Winner   "Cotton Still Life with Red & Green" February 2018 

 

Artfields Portrait Contest Judge April 2019

 

2010 - 2026  "The Cashiers Plein Air Festival" Bi-Annual Plein Air Festival

2022, 2023, 2024 - Serena & Lily Magazine - featured art and artist

2012, 2013, 2014- One Kings Lane online Design & Arts Magazine

2012, 2013, 2014, - "Let There Be Art!" The Columbus Museum, Columbus GA

2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 - "The Joy Garden Tour," Bi-Annual Plein Air Painting Event, Cashiers, NC

2010 The 13th Annual Charleston Heart Ball Art & Wine Auction