Hodges Soileau OPA, ASMA

Hodges had a successful illustration career which lasted more than twenty five years. His art graced the covers of more than three hundred books. He worked for most of the major publishing houses in New York, Field and Stream Magazine and notably Scholastic (Babysitters Club series) and, Harlequin (Romance Covers). Hodges was a twenty-three year member of the prestigious Society of Illustrators in New York. During this time, he received many citations of merit for work exhibited in annual shows. He was selected to do the painting for the twenty ninth calls for entries, and chaired the 35th Annual Exhibition.

After years of executing ideas and concepts of others, he presently paints subjects that are of personal interest. His work hangs in private collections as well as the United States Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard permanent collections. The permanent collection of Golf Digest Magazine includes several of his paintings. Hodges and his wife, Marilyn, now reside in Venice, Florida.

Education
Bachelor of Arts, University of Southwestern Louisiana

www.hodgessoileau.com
http://hodgessoileau.blogspot.com/
hodges@hodgessoileau.com

Artist Statement
As an artist, I try to paint as honestly as I can. I believe in practicing the sound principals of painting that I have learned and currently teach, but I also believe that an artist should strive for something more than just the technical skill in their work. There is a feeling, or reaction, that one gets when standing in front of a painting or a piece of art. Sometimes, it’s not an easy thing to describe. It might be the sense of place in a landscape, the light on the subject, or a fleeting expression in a portrait. This is the kind of reaction that one hopes is communicated in his or her painting. The best scenario is when the technical and the emotional aspects of painting are inseparable.

Organizations:

• Oil Painters of America-Signature Member-awarded 2008
• American Society of Marine Artist- Signature Member-awarded 2010
• Portrait Society of America
• Salmagundi Club, NYC.

Gallery Representation: Bayview Gallery, Northlight/True/North Gallery, Palm Avenue Fine, Hughes Gallery, Highlands Art Gallery, Collectors Gallery.

Selected Honors and Awards!

• 2021 Annual Members show, Salmagundi Art Club, NY, NY, Arthur T. Hill Memorial Award for Landscape!
• 2015 Oil Painters of America 24th National Exhibition, Cutter and Cutter Fine Art, St. Augustine, Fl…..Best Signature Award of Excellence.
• 2014 Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional Exhibition, Eisele Gallery, Cincinnati, Ohio…..Award of Excellence.
• 2012 8th Biennial National Art Exhibition, Punta Gorda, Fl. First Place Award
• 2011 Oil Painters of America Fall online showcase…..First Place Award
• 2011  PORTRAIT SOCIETY OF AMERICA, Members Showcase competition, (First Place, Landscape with Figure Category,  Honorable Mention, category/non commissioned Portrait.
• 2010 7th Biennial National Art Exhibition, Punta Gorda, Fl. Second Place Award
• 2010 OIL PAINTERS OF AMERICA EASTERN REGIONAL EXHIBITION, Walls Fine
  Art, Wilmington, North Carolina
• 2010 AWARDED SIGNATURE MEMBER STATUS FROM THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MARINE ARTIST 
• 2009 OIL PAINTERS OF AMERICA NATIONAL EXHIBITION, Sage Creek Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
• 2009 PORTRAIT SOCIETY OF AMERICA, Member Showcase competition, (First Place, category/women,  Honorable Mention, category/head and shoulders.
• 2009 PAINT PARADISE, Venice art center (First Place Award)
• 2008 AWARDED SIGNATURE MEMBER STATUS FROM THE OIL PAINTERS OF AMERICA
• 2008  PAINT PARADISE, Venice art center (Merit award)
• 2008  PAINT THE TOWN,  St. Petersburg, Fl.  (Third Place award)
• 2007 INTERNATIONAL PORTRAIT COMPETITION, Portrait Society of America, (Certificate of Excellence Award)
• 2007 FACE AND FIGURE EXHIBITION (Second Place Award) Venice Art Center.
• 2006 OIL PAINTERS OF AMERICA NATIONAL EXHIBITION (Award of Excellence) Dana Gallery- Missoula, Mt.
• 2006 PAINT PARADISE, VENICE ART CENTER (Best in Show Award)
• 2006 FACE AND FIGURE EXHIBITION, VENICE ART CENTER (Second PlaceAward)
• 2005 PAINT THE TOWN Alla Prima Fine Art-St. Petersburg, FL (Award of Excellence) 
• 2005 MEMBERS SPRING EXHIBITION, VENICE ART CENTER (third place)
• 2004 MEMBERS AUTUM EXHIBITION,VENICE ART CENTER (First place award)
• 2004 OIL PAINTERS OF AMERICA EASTERN REGIONAL (award of excellence)
• 2004 FACE AND FIGURE EXHIBITION,VENICE ART CENTER(Best in show)
• 2004 SPRING EXHIBITION, VENICE ART CENTER (Best in show)
• 2002 ARTIST MAGAZINE COMPETITION (FINALIST)
• 2001 ARTIST MAGAZINE COMPETITION (FINALIST)
• 1997  TARPON SPRINGS ART ASSOCIATION (First place award for oils)

The Basket Weaver 20×20 Oil On Linen 2011 OPA Fall Online Showcase Won First Place Award Available

The Cliff Walk 16×20 Oil On Linen 16×20 SOLD

The Old Cultivater 18×24 Oil On Linen Available

The Old Seaman 12×9 Oil On Linen 2018 OPA National Exhibition Framed SOLD

Venice Fountain 16×12 Oil 2006 Paint Paradise VAC Best Of Show Award Available

Waiting 16×20 Oil On Linen Panel