Featured image: Beachgoers, Jeffrey McCredie, 2023, oil, 4 x 6 ft. / 48 x 72 in.
Jeffrey McCredie captures the beauty of coastal wildlife in North Carolina through oil and watercolor.
Jeffrey McCredie is a contemporary artist specializing in waterfowl and nature scenes from North Carolina. His works use oil and watercolor to capture wildlife in its natural beauty.
McCredie’s masterful attention to detail and vibrant use of color bring the natural world to life, while his plein air approach adds a freshness and spontaneity to each piece. From serene ponds to bustling coastal scenes, his work invites viewers to appreciate the subtle moments of nature that are often overlooked.
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Mallard and Drake Over Duck, NC, Jeffrey McCredie, 2024, oil on canvas, 8 x 10 in. / 20.32 x 25.4 cm.
In Mallard and Drake Over Duck, NC, McCredie portrays a dynamic flight of mallards against a backdrop of pastel-colored clouds and blue skies. The crisp lines of the birds in mid-flight contrast beautifully with the soft, ethereal quality of the clouds. Each bird is meticulously detailed, with the vibrant plumage of the male mallard in the foreground serving as the focal point. The movement and lightness in this piece reflect McCredie’s expertise in capturing wildlife in motion, while the serene background evokes the peacefulness of nature along the North Carolina coast.
Lily Pond with Koi, Jeffrey McCredie, 2024, oil, 14 x 11 in. / 35.56 x 27.94 cm.
Lily Pond with Koi is a serene, intimate depiction of a pond in full bloom, with lily pads floating on crystal-clear water. McCredie’s careful blending of soft greens, blues, and pinks creates a harmonious composition that invites the viewer to linger. The koi, though partially submerged, are rendered with delicate strokes, giving them a sense of fluidity as they glide beneath the surface. The painting’s calm atmosphere is enhanced by the textural contrasts between the rugged rocks, smooth water, and soft petals of the lilies, making this piece a peaceful meditation on nature’s quiet beauty.
Pelicans at Manteo Lighthouse, Manteo, NC, Jeffrey McCredie, 2024, watercolor on paper, 14 x 11 in. / 35.56 x 27.94 cm.
McCredie’s Pelicans at Manteo Lighthouse captures the energy of coastal life in a vibrant plein air watercolor scene. The composition is lively, with pelicans perched along the dock as others take flight, their graceful wings outstretched against a backdrop of the iconic Manteo lighthouse. The use of bold, saturated colors in the water and sky contrasts with the more muted, earthy tones of the pelicans, drawing the viewer’s attention to the interplay of light and shadow. McCredie’s loose brushstrokes and fluid style evoke the ever-changing nature of the coastal environment, making this piece both dynamic and contemplative.
Jeffrey McCredie’s 2024 series of waterfowl and natural landscapes showcases his exceptional ability to capture the essence of wildlife in its natural habitat. Through his use of oil and watercolor, McCredie brings to life the tranquil beauty of North Carolina’s ponds and coastal waters, reminding viewers of the subtle, yet profound, moments that occur in nature. His keen observation of light, texture, and movement creates an immersive experience for the viewer, inviting a deeper appreciation of the world around us.
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Lily Pond, Jeffrey McCredie, 2024, oil on canvas, 14 x 11 in. / 35.56 x 27.94 cm.
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