Nature Untouched

Hodges Soileau is a nationally-acclaimed, Florida artist. He earned his BA from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and started a successful, 25-year illustration career. His art adorned the covers of more than 300 books, across most of the major publishing houses in New York, Field and Stream Magazine and, most notably, Scholastic for the Babysitters Club series and Harlequin’s Romance Covers.

Hodges was a 23-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 29th calls for entries, and chaired the 35th Annual Exhibition.

In 1999, after years of executing others’ ideas and concepts, he started fine art painting – focusing on subjects of deep, personal interest.

As an artist, Hodges tries to paint as honestly as he can. He believes in practicing the sound principals of painting that he learned and teaches, but he also believes artists should strive for more than just 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.

Hodges is a Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America and The American Society Of Marine Artists. His work hangs in private collections as well as permanent collections of Golf Digest Magazine, the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard. His work is showcased at Gallery on Park, Bayview Gallery, Northlight/True North Gallery, Palm Ave Fine Arts, Highlands Art Gallery, Collectors Gallery, and Anderson Gallery of Fine Art. He previously taught at the Ringling College of Art and Design and now teaches painting and drawing workshops. Hodges and his wife, Marilyn, reside in Venice, Florida.

Selected Honors and Shows
2023 OPA National Exhibition, Portrait Honorable Mention
2022 12th Biennial National Art Exhibit, Merit Award
2021 Members Show, Salmagundi Art Club, NY, Arthur T. Hill Memorial Award for Landscape
2021 OPA Eastern Regional Exhibition, Demo Artist
2015 OPA 24th National Exhibition, Best Signature Award of Excellence
2014 OPA Eastern Regional Exhibition, Award of Excellence
2012 8th Biennial National Art Exhibition, 1st Place
2011 OPA Fall Online Showcase, 1st Place
2011 Portrait Society of America Members Showcase, 1st Place, Landscape with Figure; Honorable Mention, Non-Commissioned Portrait
2010 7th Biennial National Art Exhibition, 2nd Place
2009 Portrait Society of America, Member Showcase, 1st Place, Women; Honorable Mention, Head And Shoulders.
2009 Venice Art Center Paint Paradise, 1st Place
2008 Paint The Town, St. Petersburg, Florida, 3rd Place
2007 Portrait Society of America International Competition, Certificate of Excellence
2007 Venice Art Center Face and Figure Exhibition, 2nd Place
2006 OPA National Exhibition, Award Of Excellence
2006 Venice Art Center Paint Paradise, Best in Show
2006 Venice Art Center Face and Figure Exhibition, 2nd Place
2005 Paint The Town, St. Petersburg, Florida, Award Of Excellence
2005 Venice Art Center Members Spring Exhibition, 3rd Place
2004 Venice Art Center Members Autumn Exhibition, 1st Place
2004 OPA Eastern Regional Exhibition, Award of Excellence
2004 Venice Art Center Face and Figure Exhibition, Best in Show
2004 Venice Art Center Members Spring Exhibition, Best in Show
2002 Artist Magazine Competition, Finalist
2001 Artist Magazine Competition, Finalist
1997 Tarpon Springs Art Association, 1st Place, Oils