Jeff Eldredge was born on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Raised next to an inlet of Nantucket Sound and in a family where conversation varied among topics of natural history, marine life, oceans, and seafaring, he became interested in all things maritime and decided on a career at sea. Jeff graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1969, and he worked on the water until the late 1990s.

Jeff began painting in junior high school and continued with his art when time permitted at sea and when he was ashore. He was fortunate enough to become an artist member of the American Society of Marine Artists and a Copley artist of the Copley Society of Boston. Among his awards is an Award of Excellence at the 17’th Annual Mystic International Exhibition of the Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport. Jeff shows his work at various galleries in New England. His work appears in corporate collections and in private homes across the nation.

Artist's Statement

I admire the works of such 19th century artists as Francis Augustus Silva, Alfred T. Bricher, William Bradford, Fitz Hugh Lane, William Clark, and Samuel Walters, and I thoroughly enjoy the enigmatic qualities of the ship portraits of the, “China Trade.” Winslow Homer and Charles Robert Patterson are also favorite artists of mine.

I enjoy painting stylized, formal ship portraits of 19th century vessels as well as working in a more contemporary, realistic style, where I can use light, shadow, and reflection in setting the mood of the painting. I like to pose questions and present ironies in my work. I strive to make my work speak effectively and to capture simple beauty.

A Note on Maritime Historical Research

I have long been a student of history, and my passion for 19th century maritime history has resulted in much research. I am very interested in the maritime history of New England, especially that of Boston and its relationship to Cape Cod communities.

If you have some questions about a vessel that might have figured in your family history, or are simply interested in ships of New England, drop me a line or e-mail. If I can’t help you with a question, chances are I can send you to where you will find your answer.