Hodges Soileau, “Rusty Bucket,” oil on linen, 12 x 16 inches

December 1 marks the opening reception for a show of works by “The Florida Four” — a professional group of well-known and collectible American Impressionists — who have a common interest in capturing the timeless natural essence of the Southern landscape.

A dynamic range of paintings will be on view starting December 1 at the Casselbery Art House in Casselberry, Florida. The exhibition will display works by a talented group of professional artists: Bill Farnsworth, Samuel Morgan Price, Hodges Soileau, Matthew Cornell, and Mary Erickson. Calling themselves the Florida Four, each artist brings their unique creative voice and style to the show, but are united in their goal of capturing the infinitely variable and beautiful Southern landscape.

Bill Farnsworth, “Here and Gone,” oil, 11 x 14 inches
Bill Farnsworth, “Nature Girl,” oil, 12 x 9 inches
Bill Farnsworth, “On the Line,” oil, 30 x 40 inches
Bill Farnsworth, “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” oil, 11 x 14 inches
Hodges Soileau, “Boats and Traps,” oil on linen, 12 x 16 inches
Hodges Soileau, “Summer Fair,” oil on linen, 18 x 24 inches

“Passionate in their pursuit of beauty, their paintings transcend the scene, and invite you to share in the experience of being outdoors,” the press release reads. “Through their art, you can feel the warmth of the sand, enjoy a casual stroll in dappled light, smell the gulf air, and feel the breeze ruffle the dress of a figure. Through paint and canvas they convey a sense of place and a moment in time.”

Hodges Soileau, “Fog on the Cliff Walk,” oil on linen, 16 x 20 inches
Mary Erickson, “Goldfinch,” oil, 6 x 6 inches
Mary Erickson, “Female Hummer,” oil, 6 x 6 inches
Mathew Cornell, “Sea,” oil on panel, 9 x 13 1/2 inches
Morgan Samuel Price, “Afternoon Anecdotes,” oil, 16 x 20 inches
Morgan Samuel Price, “The Race Is On,” oil, 9 x 12 inches

Continuing, the artists themselves have a joint statement of philosophy, which sums up their approach well: “We hold the belief that there is a one-ness about creating from Nature. When painting outdoors, we are an integral part of all that lives, breathes, and exists. We have a sense of belonging and awe that we can create something from pure emotion and experience. We bring into existence through our painting something of beauty to share that wasn’t there the day before.”

This article was featured in PleinAir Today, a weekly e-newsletter from PleinAir magazine. To start receiving PleinAir Today for free, click here.


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