Behind each of Peter's paintings is inspiration that comes from past experiences. There has to be that breathtaking moment when everything comes together in a harmony that strikes the core of his soul in order for him to paint something. Moments like these usually stem from childhood memories and for Peter they originated from hunting ducks with his father and brother in the Suisun Marsh of Northern California. During this time, he really became interested in the different species of waterfowl and drew them religiously. During his free time, Peter even drew the wildlife photos that appeared in hunting magazines as well as fantastic hunting scenes he longed to experience.

 Upon graduating from the University of California at Davis with a degree in art, Peter moved to Bend, Oregon to hunt, fish, ski, and, above all, paint. It was there that he met and married his wife, Rachelle. Together, they hiked the many trails around Central Oregon gathering reference and studying the abundant wildlife. They now reside in the rich, diverse Willamette Valley where they are raising their two children and Peter is pursuing his art full time..

During the past year, Peter has won five art competitions including the 2006 Michigan Duck Stamp and the 2006 Michigan Ducks Unlimited "Artist of the Year". Peter has also just been selected, for the fifth time, as the Oregon Ducks Unlimited "Artist of the Year" for 2006. Proceeds from each of 2005 and 2006 competition wins will directly benefit waterfowl habitat which in turn benefits many other species of birds and other animals. He has also twice been juried into the prestigious Birds in Art exhibition and has appeared in Wildlife Art and US Art magazines as well as appearing twice on the cover of California Waterfowl. Internationally, he designed the 2001 New Zealand Fish and Game Habitat Stamp.

Awards

2006  Wild Wings February "Featured Artist"

2006  1st Place -- Oregon Ducks Unlimited “Artist of the Year” Print
2006  1st Place – Michigan Duck Stamp Contest
2006  1st Place -- Michigan Ducks Unlimited “Artist of the Year” Stamp & Print
2005  1st Place -- Oregon Ducks Unlimited “Artist of the Year” Print
2005  1st Place – California Heritage Stamp Competition
2003  11th Place – Federal Duck Stamp Competition
2002   Featured Artist – Pacific Flyway Decoy Association’s Wildlife Art Festival
2002   "New Zealand Fish & Game Habitat Stamp"
2002  1st Place -- California Ducks Unlimited "Artist of the Year"
2001  1st Place -- Oregon Ducks Unlimited "Artist of the Year"

Great Egret
Acrylic on board
Image Size: 12" x 8"
Price: $ 1,400