"March 4th 2011, My Solo Exhibition opening at the M Gallery in Charleston, SC."

I have numerous paintings in different stages of completion. I know it is still realitively early, but I will post images that will be included in the show as they become available, or finished to my satisfaction.

"On the Easel"

This painting is a 24x30 and is in the process of being painted, so I have not even considered a title for it yet. I`m doing paintings that will hopefully turn out well enough to be included in my March 2011 show at the M Gallery. So far, I have not had the temptation to rub this one out. We`ll see!

This painting started out as a study for a possible large multi figure composition. I like the single figure better now that I have had some time with it. I think I will bring it to finish.....which should not require a great amount of work. I think I`m almost there. This is 20x16 oil on linen.

Dancer Detail # one

Dancer Detail #2

I will post paintings in progress that are on the easel as they become available for those interested.

Portrait of "Roger" makes FAV 15% Finalist in BoldBrush painting competition sponsored by FinArtStudioOnline, May 2010.

"Roger" 12x9 oil on linen

http://canvoo.com/boldbrush/badge/9981

Happy to have this piece in the FAV 15% . Some really good paintings in May 2010. Just nice to hang in there with all these talented artist. Congrats to all the awards winners and finalist.

"The Richard Schmid Fine Art Auction-Sept 5th, 2010"

The Richard Schmid Fine Art Live Auction is a few months away, but it is time to begin reminding folks about this annual event. I will post other announcements as it gets closer. My figure painting above will be offered for bidding in the live auction.

http://www.richardschmidauction.com/Hodges%20Soileau.html

"The Red Bucket" in progress.

This is an earlier stage of "The Red Bucket". At this point, I had not decided whether or not to include the figure. Obviously, the painting would have a different title and feeling without the figure. I like that human element in landscapes. It is often difficult to paint this type of painting on location, so when moving figures are involved, I usually save them for studio paintings.

This is a studio painting that I am doing very quickly over a period of time, due to interruptions and distractions of semesters end, and preparing for upcoming activities, etc. I hope in the next few days to be able to find a couple hours to finish......not that there is any particular rush.

"Detail of the figure".

"Spring 2010 Demo Night at Ringling College of Art and Design"

Demo #2

I spent the second half of my allotted time on this little 9x12 study.

Demo #1

I spent about half of my allotted three hours on this demo.

Last night was Demo night at Ringling. This has become a regular event, and hopefully will continue to be on the extra activities list for students. It is fun to particpate along with other instructors who perform their chosen demos at designated stations. It is nearing spring semester end, so for those student who could not make it, I`m posting my two demos. The instructor demos last three hours.....7 to 10 PM.

"Studies of Roger"

After speaking to Roger at an event recently, he suggested that he might be shaving his great Mountain man like beard, so last week, I went over to his house, and did a head study of my friend in his back yard, and took some shots for a future portrait. He is a great guy and great character to paint.

" Morning class demo-yesterday"

This is head study demo painted yesterday morning in class at Ringling College of Art and Design.

"Southern Atelier-Monday demo"

This is my Monday workshop demo at the Southern Atelier in Sarasota Fl.

"Head Studies"

"Chico" Study for the Bass player

"The Russian Model" Demo painted at the Southern Atelier, Sarasota Florida.

"Natasha" Demo head study painted in my workshop at the Southern Atelier, Sarasota, Florida.

"Amy" Demo night head study at Ringling.

Self Portrait 12x16 oil on linen

"Claudia" Demo night head study at Ringling

"Jess" Study of a young girl, 12x16 oil on linen

2005 Head Study of a young girl

"Devilicious"

A graphic designer friend of mine has a product line on Zazzle called The Collier Collection. He recently used three little head studies of demons I painted for another friend of mine, and created designs for posters and tee shirts. Check them out at http://www.zazzle.com/colliergraphica/gifts?cg=196295463974259006

"The Wild Flower Garden" Painting in Progress

This first step is just an application of a thin wash to set the tone, or harmony of the painting, and also alows me to wipe out the area that I intend to place the figure in this composition.

In Step two, I start painting the head, which will be my observational reference for the size of everything in this painting. It is important to get this part reasonably accurate. I am not doing a portrait of her, but interpreting the reference.

In this step, I am working outward from the focal point, the head.

In this step, I am painting directly, and developing the figure as I go..... trying to put as accurate as possible pieces of paint to minimize the changes and adjustments that will have to be made later in the painting.

This is almost complete. Just need to adjust here and there, and apply a bit more paint finish a few spots that are a bit thin. The Gallery has seen the painting at this stage, and seem to be happy with it, so it is heading west to Texas for an anniversary show. I will post details later.

"Summer Shade"

"Summer Shade" is for the most part complete. Just might adjust a few subtle things that would probably not be noticable, but might make me feel better about it. The gallery has seen it and seems to like it, so it`s headed for Texas.