Emotive, rather than purely representational, Jeremy Prim’s oil paintings are inspired by the Pacific coastline. Known for his evocative minimalist seascapes, the impetus for Prim’s work derives from the beauty of the ocean and the peaceful solitude one feels in its presence.
When did you begin your art career, and what background did you have?
I have been painting since the late 90’s, and am primarily self taught. After experimenting with a variety of styles, techniques and subject matter, I began painting seascapes exclusively around 2012. I was able to start painting full time in 2020.
What drew you to seascapes? Does living in Seattle play a role in the works you create?
I’m drawn to painting seascapes because I’ve loved the ocean since I was a kid. I enjoy being near or on the water to reflect and play, and it’s always been an important part of my life. To me, the ocean is the perfect muse for painting, as I’m able to work on multiple series that are inspired by the same subject matter and utilize the same materials and a similar color palette, yet each series is distinctly its own and each work within the series is unique.
Living in the Seattle area has played a role in the works that I create, as well as summers spent living on the Central California coast. I currently split my time between Seattle and Whidbey Island, and enjoy exploring the other islands in the Puget Sound. My recent “water series” was inspired by the views from sailboats and ferries.
Some of your works merge both natural and unnatural elements—the “linear” linescapes collection, for example—how do you go about blending the two and what impact do you think it has.
With the linescapes series, I think of the lines as being an abstraction or simplification of a natural element. The series was inspired by the rhythm of the ocean and long exposure seascape photography.
Could you describe your process of blending oil paint and cold wax? What effects does this medium lend to your works?
The cold wax medium is tempered with oil paint prior to applying it to the canvas. It gives oil colors a beautiful translucent quality, somewhat similar to the surfaces of encaustic paintings, and is a versatile medium that can be dry brushed to a smooth surface or applied as an impasto.
Are there any specific emotions you hope to capture and convey in your pieces, or do you prefer to leave it to your viewers?
It varies depending on the particular piece or body of work, but I generally prefer to leave it to the viewer.
Your work has been featured in galleries, design stores, and art fairs. How has this impacted the way you present your art, and the reception you have received?
It’s allowed me to incrementally refine the presentation of my works over the years, and the experience of having my work received by a wide array of audiences has been invaluable.
Where does your art typically find a home? Has there been an instance where you were especially happy with a specific piece and setting pairing?
My artwork finds a home in a variety of spaces, from modern homes to beach houses and everything in between. I often receive snapshots from clients or interior designers, and each pairing of piece and setting is perfect in its own way.
What have been some challenges in your career as an artist, how have you gone about overcoming these?
There have been many challenges that I’ve encountered in my career as an artist, but I prefer not to dwell on them and view them as a learning experience. I’ve found that the best way to overcome challenges as an artist is to just create and let everything else sort itself out.
Do you have any clear ideas about the development of your style? Are there any scenes you would like to explore more?
Usually when I think that I have a clear idea of how my work is developing, I end up surprising myself and going in a totally new direction, or sometimes I think I’m going to do something new and end up painting more linescapes or a new take on an existing body of work. I see myself continuing to explore seascape painting for the foreseeable future, especially the water series and continuing to refine the linescapes series.
For more information on Jeremy prim, his process, and available works, head to his artist page to inquire and for more information.
Written by Cole Martinez
