Robert Hoffman was born in northwest Indiana. He studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and under several artists including Guild founder, Frederick Rigley. He was a signature member of the Oil Painters of America, receiving over 65 awards regionally and nationally, and taught painting and workshops throughout the country. He believed that an artist, whatever his or her discipline, is a communicator of ideas and emotions. His goal was to convey unity and beauty from what he saw in nature.