Beaches Watercolor Artist making impressions in the Jacksonville Arts Community
Hi Jim. So nice to meet you. So tell us what part of the First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
I currently live in Ponte Vedra but have been a long-time beaches resident since 1977
How long have you been doing your craft or trade?
My pursuit of art began in earnest in 1970.
What brings out your creativity?
Things that spark my creativity are subject matter that speaks to me. Whether it’s a still life, nature scene, action scene, or waterscape there is something about how I view it that invokes thoughts of what I am able to do to execute the image on a two-dimensional surface.
What does your work aim to say? Are you trying to bring a smile to someone’s face or add to someone’s home decor?
Home decor is the last thing I think of when working on a new project. Painting for me is a matter of personal satisfaction and accomplishment. My main objective is to portray the subject matter with solid composition and strong fundamental principles that make a solid piece of art. My focus is on developing my watercolor technique drawing from all other mediums I’ve worked with to enhance the result. I paint things that I am familiar with such as places I’ve been, things I’ve done or experienced, or things that made an impression on me. I focus on color, design, and composition. I work large scale as I prefer not to be confined to small parameters. If my work brings a smile to someone’s face or a certain piece fits someone’s decor that is just a bonus. I will confess it gives me great pleasure and a degree of validation when one feels they must have one of my paintings.
Are there any spaces or designers that have influenced you?
I can’t say there are any spaces or designers that influence me, but I will say that Windslow Homer has made a great impression and has influenced my style. I must give credit to my mentors along the way. I am fortunate to still be in touch with several of them.
What is your favorite artistic accomplishment?
I think the fact that I have been able to maintain a keen interest over all these years in my art has been my greatest accomplishment. Where awards and recognition are nice, they remain purely subjective and are an expression of one or a few individuals’ thoughts/opinions at that moment. They neither make nor break my enthusiasm.
Do you have a specific piece you would love to talk about or promote?
No
What is the best way for artists to network?
I network through local artist guilds and groups as well as several group sites via Facebook.
If you had a question you would like to ask another artist what would it be?
I don’t know…….what did you have for dinner last night?
What is the best thing about living on the First Coast?
The best thing about first coast living is having access to the ocean 24/7/365 to go surfing and hang with my tribe whenever I feel like it!
How can we see your work?
I am not ashamed to admit that I am not of the era that makes web design a natural effort for me as I struggle to make those “Easy Use” websites work. That being said I promote my work on Instagram (ohanasurf97) or Facebook (facebook.com/jimcoxsfineart ).
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone?
Yes. I will be having a one-man show at Adel Grage Community Center in Atlantic Beach, Fl. in July of 2022. I will post an announcement as to the date and time when I solidify that. I also attend the North Beach Artwalk on the 3rd Thursday of every month regularly in Atlantic/Neptune Beach held from 5 pm to 9 pm. Please swing by my display and introduce yourself if you happen to be out and about that evening.
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Jacksonville native, local artist/art lover who has found her voice through promoting other local artists. Avid traveler but my heart and soul lies within the First Coast.
