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Capturing Light & Life - The Plein Air Artistry of Coronado's Jim Nix
Capturing Light & Life
The Plein Air Artistry of Coronado’s Jim Nix
California has long held a special place in the history of American plein air painting—a style that emerged from 19th-century French Impressionists who stepped out of their studios to paint directly from nature. The state’s brilliant coastal light, rugged mountains, and mild climate drew artists eager to capture the immediacy of the outdoors. In Coronado, this tradition took root in the early
20th century, when visiting and local artists set up their easels along the shoreline, in lush gardens, and beneath the canopy of historic trees. These painters documented the island’s unique charm, establishing a legacy that continues today through artists like Jim Nix.
In the heart of Coronado, where golden light dances across the bay and historic homes frame quiet streets, Nix is often found with brush in hand, chasing fleeting moments of beauty. A retired fire captain and accomplished plein air painter, he has embraced retirement as a time to immerse himself fully in art.
“I’ve been sketching and drawing as long as I can remember,” he says. “But after retiring, I finally had the time to really focus on painting.”
Although art has always been part of his life, it wasn’t until retirement that Nix devoted himself to it completely. Mostly self-taught, with only a handful of college art classes, his journey has been defined by persistence, practice, and passion.
Over the past three decades, Nix has steadily built a reputation for his small format plein air paintings, which capture the vivid interplay of light and shadow along the California coast.
“Painting landscapes is both challenging and rewarding,” Nix reflects. “There’s always something new to learn.”
His process is quick and intuitive, often working outdoors directly from nature to capture the essence of a fleeting moment.
Nix’s work has been widely recognized throughout the region. He has exhibited as a juried artist at Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park, the Little Italy Art Walk, Catalina Island Art Festival, Borrego Springs Circle of Art, Coronado Art Association events, and the Coronado Art Walk—where he was a featured artist and won Best in Show. For a time, he even operated his own gallery in Park City, Utah. Several Coronado residents proudly collect Nix’s work. “Collecting Jim Nix’s plein air paintings is like bottling a breath of California—each brush stroke captures the light, the land, and the quiet beauty of a moment lived outdoors,” says resident Kelly Purvis, who has three of his paintings in her collection.
Her first was purchased through the Coronado Schools Foundation’s annual auction. Nix is known for his generosity in donating his work to benefit local nonprofits, and Purvis felt fortunate to acquire a Nix original while supporting local schools.
Maureen Eckenroth acquired her first Nix painting at the inaugural Art and Wine Festival, sponsored by the Coronado Chamber and benefitting the Coronado Schools Foundation.
“I was first introduced to Jim’s art at the Art & Wine Festival. Plein Air is my favorite style of art, so I was immediately captivated by his work. I love how his pieces allow you to directly observe the natural environment in real time. The landscapes, the rich colors, the energy ... Jim’s paintings make me feel like I’m one with nature, that I’m just looking out my window. Let’s just say that I’ve added a few more of his pieces to my collection since then, and I love the joy the bring me everyday.”
Since that first festival, the Eckenroths have acquired four more Nix paintings. She and her husband, Dean, enjoy attending Art in the Park to reconnect with the artist and view his latest works.
Long-time residents Graham and Robbins Kelly purchased a painting at the Coronado Art Walk several years ago as an anniversary gift to themselves.
“Having always loved the work of the California Plein Air School, we felt Mr. Nix’s work embodied the best qualities of the style,” Robbins notes. “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed having such a lovely piece in our home.”
Now living full-time in Coronado, Nix’s paintings can be viewed at the Coronado Public Library through October. His subjects often include the everyday magic of the natural world—coastal birds, quiet coves, and iconic San Diego vistas. One of his more humorous works features a blue heron, which he jokes “was a very cooperative model. But I had a heck of a time getting the pelican to hold still long enough for his portrait.”
A member of the Coronado Art Association, Nix regularly participates in Art in the Park, held the first and third Sunday of each month at Spreckels Park. This popular event gives locals and visitors the chance to meet working artists, purchase original art, and celebrate Coronado’s creative community.
Nix’s plein air paintings will be featured at the Coronado Public Library’s Spreckels Reading Room Gallery as part of a new exhibition curated by the Coronado Art Colony.
The exhibition, highlighting ten plein air artists, runs from August 5 through November 1.
A free public opening reception will be held Sunday, August 10, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., with many of the participating artists in attendance. The event will include a performance by cellist Peter Ko from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., and light refreshments will be served.
The Coronado Art Colony recently announced that Nix has been awarded the 2025 Coronado Plein Air Art Prize for his painting of the pelican featured in this year’s show. The award includes a $300 unrestricted prize in recognition of his artistic excellence.
Despite his success, Nix remains humble. “I’m always looking for new inspiration,” he says. “Most of it comes from the people who enjoy my work—that connection means everything.”
As a quiet observer with a wry sense of humor and a deep appreciation for the world around him, Jim Nix is a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your passion—and that beauty often waits just outside your front door, ready to be painted in the light of day.
