The work of painter and lithographer Douglas Hofmann (American, born 1945) is known for its luminous surfaces, meticulous details, and softly lit figures. Hofmann studied under Joseph Sheppard at the Maryland Institute College of Art, where he learned the Maroger technique which enables artists to apply thin layers of oil paint and techniques akin to the Old Masters. Hofmann integrates Old Masters techniques, especially the character of light and atmosphere of Baroque paintings, with his own methods. His nude paintings of women and ballet scenes demonstrate attention to detail and harmonious colors and shapes in his compositions. La Femme En Bleu (State II) (1981), depicting a nude woman staring out of a window, shows precise detail of the clothes hanging from her window and the strong contrast of light and shadow to draw attention to the woman.