Peter H Peterson

My parents tell the story that when I was young I refused to use coloring books.  I had to have blank paper, limitless potential to express my vision through drawing. I drew, sculpted, cooked and had an insatiable desire to create; create something magical from nothing but space and my expansive imagination.

My inspiration comes from nature, a moment in time or a grouping of objects that move me emotionally.  I paint what I feel when I look at things that fascinate me.  I paint the essence of what I see with my eyes, transposing my emotional reaction onto canvas.  I paint often with no intention or muse, allowing the colors to interact, the layers to evolve and the emotion to expose itself.  I get completely involved in my work.  I turn off my mind and paint whatever comes naturally.

I received a degree in graphic design, and then a degree in Theology where I became a Pastor for several years.  Later, I discovered fine art to be my true love, and more specifically painting. I have been making a living selling my work as an artist since 1985. I have been showcased at a dozen galleries throughout the West Coast including the Rhodes Stringfellow Gallery in Cannon Beach, OR, the Ballantine and Hastings Gallery in Calastoga, CA and the Phinney Peterson Gallery in Coeur D’Alene, ID.

In the late eighties I worked in semi- realism with watercolors, portraits, still life, and landscapes (lots of landscapes). In the mid 90’s I moved to bright whimsical acrylic landscapes. In December of 2004 I ventured into abstraction. The abstracts that I create are my most personally fulfilling work, and to date my purest form of self-expression. When in the process of painting, I often feel like a spectator watching the performance.  When I see what is being unveiled I feel the image deeply and am in awe that the beauty came through me.

Presently I work with acrylic on canvas or paper. Each painting has multiple layers (most twenty or more). Paint, varnish, paint varnish over and over. I scratch and wipe away segments of each new layer revealing glimpses of the layers that preceeded.

Please call ahead and talk with me or my partner, Asheville Photographer Troy Winterrowd, to set up a time for viewing my work.  I have a body of completed paintings plus a variety of works in development.  I am available most evenings.  Bring a bottle of wine and chat with me while I paint.  Comfortable chairs provided.