For Central Florida artist Peter Pettigrew, painting landscapes was a natural continuation of his relationship with the scenic natural beauty that surrounded his early years. Growing up, he was inspired by the stunning beaches of Monterey Bay, California, and oceanic imagery would later become a recurring theme in his work. As an exemplary modern landscape painter, Pettegrew has captured topographical wonders across America and the Caribbean. With over 4 decades and 7 museum shows under his belt, Pettegrew is a master at his craft, and is famous for his plein-air artistry, which means he paints exclusively on location. And the locations are certainly worth the leg-work; Pettegrew has an affinity for painting sceneries which are meaningful to him, including seascapes, marshes, National Parks and forests. In Pettegrew’s own words: “For me, it is where it all comes together; I work to honor the face of nature by painting her portrait in so many ways and in so many places”.
It is evident that Pettegrew’s relationship with nature is the crux of his work. As an outdoorsman, Pettegrew has traveled to some of the most beautiful, artistic places in the world, including the Bahamas, Montana, and France. His style is distinctly Impressionistic, and he uses the subtle tones created with his delicate, precise brushstrokes to create captivating and unique imagery. Pettegrew tends to wholly immerse himself into his paintings, and for the duration of creating a piece, seems to almost merge into it, giving each canvas the scrupulous attention he feels it deserves. According to Pettegrew, “One of the most fascinating aspects about being an artist for me is the ability to go out with fourteen tubes of paint and a canvas and return home with the scene your were just sitting in front of. The clouds that you just watched disappear over the horizon are still there with you”.
Pettegrew attended the Harbor Senior High school in Santa Cruz, California, which laid the foundation for his artistic education. He later enrolled in the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in Florida. His years in these prestigious institutions played a pivotal role in equipping him with the artistic perspective and technique he would later build his career on. After his formal training was complete, he also attended various workshops to polish his technique and style, which completed his transformation to become a master Nature painter.
Pettegrew’s paintings are treasured and highly anticipated among museums, gallerists and art collectors across the world, and each new collection is met with considerable critical acclaim. As a naturalist and environmentalist, Pettegrew uses the success of his collections to promote environmental awareness, and uses proceeds from his events and exhibitions to support various environmental funds. Pettegrew believes that painting allows him to pay homage to the world that he loves: “I think we all need a greater sensitivity of our natural surroundings and what I fully experience when on location is what I spiritually need to paint. My hope is that this emotion is fully communicated, not just in the traditional sense, but rather a message of the mystery and joy in how nature really feels. Through painting, I share my love of nature with others and hopefully help to preserve her beauty.”
