Waynesburg U. showcases “plein air” exhibition by Joshua Hoffman

Waynesburg University is currently hosting an exhibition of plein air landscape paintings by Pennsylvania artist Joshua Hoffman. The Benedum Fine Arts Gallery exhibit, which runs through Feb. 26, features oil paintings capturing scenes from Pittsburgh, Wheeling, W.Va. and Easton, Md. An opening reception was held Feb. 2 after being postponed due to inclement weather.

Hoffman, originally from Bethel Park, studied at then-Edinboro University and now lives in Dormont. He travels throughout the region nearly daily, setting up outdoors to paint each work on location using an alla prima technique. His pieces are created with oil paint on birch panels or stretched linen, allowing him to capture light, atmosphere and mood in a single sitting.

According to Lisa Rasmussen, assistant professor of Fine Arts and Communication at Waynesburg University, the exhibition brings a fresh perspective to campus.

"The paintings in this exhibition are plein air paintings. Plein air is a type of painting that is created on site, usually outside," Rasmussen said. "[Hoffman's] work is impressive and it is a different type of work than we've had in the gallery over the last several years. It is important for students and the community to see a variety of different types of art to help them decide the type of art they enjoy."

Rasmussen describes Hoffman's work as engaging, with an impressionistic quality that resonates with viewers.

"Joshua paints places that the viewer can connect to," she said. "There is a familiarity about the scenes - even if you've never been to that particular place, it can still seem somehow familiar." She hopes visitors leave the gallery with a deeper appreciation for art and the dedication of working artists.

Hoffman's connection to Waynesburg University began through Rasmussen's involvement in the "Earth and Fire" exhibit in Wheeling, where she works alongside his father-in-law, Lambros Tsuhlares. Through that collaboration, Rasmussen discovers Hoffman's work and invites him to exhibit on campus.

In addition to the current exhibition, more of Hoffman's work can be viewed online at https://www.JoshuaHoffmanArt.com and at Concept Gallery in Pittsburgh's Regent Square neighborhood.

Benedum Fine Arts Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, contact Lisa Rasmussen at [email protected].

About Waynesburg U.

Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University's Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.

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Plein Air Exhibit by Joshua Hoffman

Benedum Fine Arts Gallery