Herbert Felic Hofer was born in Wiener Neustadt, Austria in 1946. After studying interior architecture at the University of Vienna, he followed this formal education with a brief but successful career as an interior designer at a large German department store. Hofer then embarked on a search for adventure which took him on extensive travels through Europe and Africa. He eventually settled in Rome, Italy, where he lived for 20 years.

The main effect of his unique form of painting is seen in the intricate design, use of color and abundant floral decoration which convey a sophisticated yet dreamlike quality. Hofer has gained international fame from his world wide exhibitions and has been described by the Austrian Cultural Institute as an artist who manages in his simple way to touch the hearts of nations. The most famous of his works, 'Search for Paradise' earned him the United Nations Peace Prize in 1984.

Herbert Hofer's whimsical, brilliantly colored paintings evoke the joys of childhood in universal themes. Hofer describes himself as "the Primitive Austrian" and his paintings as "modern primitives." They are folk art with a dreamy adventurous quality incorporating intricate design, tropical colors, and abundant floras. His work represents his own search for paradise in a spirit of optimism, joy, and peace.