Hodges Soileau, 1943 | Plein Air painter

American painter Hodges Soileau is a native of Southwest Louisiana with a career that has taken him to live in many parts of the country.

His Cajun accent is all but gone, but his cultural ties remain strong. His most successful 25 year illustration career has presented him with opportunities to work with major publishing houses in New York City gracing the covers of more than 300 books.

Hodges was a 23 year member of the prestigious Society of Illustrators in New York City. During this time, he received many citations of merit for work exhibited in annual shows.

He was selected to execute the painting for the Illustrators 29th Annual Call for Entries, and chaired 35 annual exhibitions.

Presently Hodges paints subjects that are of personal interest opening opportunities for numerous one man shows, and participation in group shows throughout the United States.

He was a finalist in the 2001-2002 Artists Magazine Competition, received an award of excellence in the 2004 and 2006 Oil Painters of America Eastern and National Regional Exhibition, and received a 2007 Certificate of Excellence award in the International Portrait Competition hosted by the Portrait Society of America.

Most recently, Hodges was awarded Signature membership status by Oil Painters of America in December 2008.

He also won first place in the category, Portraits of Women, in the Members showcase of the Portrait Society of America 2009.

His work hangs in private collections and in the permanent collections of the United States Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard and Golf Digest Magazine.