At 13 Bernard Hodder began his career winning a place at junior art school. He went on to attend Wimbledon and Reigate Schools of Art and a three years post-graduate study in Fine Art at the Royal Academy School, London. Bernard was awarded the prestigious R.A.S Gold medal and travelling studentship.
As a founder member of the artists collective in Southampton in the early 80 ‘s Bernard spent 20 years lecturing in art for Southampton City College, Barton Peveril College and Fareham College.
Bernard’s main subjects have been the figure and the urban environment, experimenting with all mediums and techniques. More recently he has been working by the river Dever, a tributary of the Test. Being immersed in the Hampshire landscape enables his study of pattern and the effects of light and colour throughout the changing seasons. This offers the opportunity to explore the language of painting, often in more abstract terms where expression takes precedence over representation.
Works are held in public and private collections in the UK and USA.