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About the Artist...
Kenyan born, Peter Blackwell has been intrigued by Africa's environments and its exceptional diversity all his life. Raised on a remote farm in Northern Kenya, the African bush was Peter's outdoor arena for entertainment and learning.
Formally educated in England, where he received a degree in Graphic Design, Peter was keen to return to his roots to pursue a career not related to the advertising world, but to focus on the bush and continue on a longtime interest, that of wildlife painting.
Virtually self taught in the area of fine art, Peter built up a reputation as a watercolour bird specialist, gaining acclaim for his ability to bring to life his feathered subjects, with incredible character interpretations, distinctive detail to bold and iridescent colours and the fine intricate work of precise feathering.
Gradually Peter included animals and landscapes as well as oils into his portfolio, all with the same great care and individuality as his bird pieces. Today he centres his attention on all the aspects of the African landscape. His originals range from pieces only a few inches in dimensions to several feet, in mixed mediums.
Peter spends many weeks of the year in the bush, where he not only obtains the reference material necessary to create his works, but also to study his subjects. His painting style, though realistic, also suggests an unconventional flavour as he constantly strives to create original works that are anatomically accurate, yet at the same time are fresh and innovative.
Shadows and golden light too, so much a part of the African make-up is of particular interest to him, and play key roles in his work. Also a professional photographer, Peter finds his photographs help not only in referencing the colours and subjects, but a photographer's eye helps in the overall aesthetics of a painting's layout and appeal.
Peter has been painting professionally for thirty years. He has completed countless commissions and held over twenty successful one man shows since 1987 in Nairobi and London. His work has been reproduced in two limited edition print sets, canvas prints and stationery and has been used by several conservation groups for fund-raising events. His paintings held in private and corporate collections can be found in America, Australia, Europe, Hong Kong, Kenya, Nepal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda The United Arab Emirates and Zambia.
Each of Peter's works is an attempt to capture even a brief moment of Africa's beauty, and it is his wish that each piece may offer unique insights into the Africa he knows so well.
Recent Accomplishments:
- Named Artist of the Year 2017, DSC
- "Double Bill" original oil on canvas included in the 2015 Artist for Conservation exhibition
- "Black Beauty" Shortlisted in the 2015 David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year Competition
- “The Arrival”, original oil on Belgian linen, 2014, Birds in Art exhibition, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
- “Three Generations”, original oil on canvas, included in the 2014 Artist for Conservation exhibition
- “Defiant”, original oil on Belgian linen, receives an Award of Excellence, NatureWorks, 2013
- “Enchanted Corner” original watercolour included in the 2010, Artists for Conservation exhibition
- “The Penthouse” original watercolour, 2009, Birds in Art exhibition, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
- Nine original pieces included in the book entitled, “ A Gallery of East African Birds”, 2009
Support for Conservation:
RhinoArk, Mara Conservancy, Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy, Japan Wildlife Center, NatureWorks, Big Life Foundation, The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust
Organization Memberships:
Artists For Conservation
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Support for Conservation:
Big Life Foundation
The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust
Naivasha Owl Centre
Anne K Taylor Fund
Wildlize - for the Mara Conservancy, Kenya.
Rhino Ark, Kenya
Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy
NatureKenya
Special Achievements:
- 2016 - The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust
Successful fundraising event to raise money for avian veterinary hospital and education centre.
- 2015 - David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year
Watercolour, "Black Beauty" shortlisted in the 2015 exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London.
- 2015 - Artist for Conservation
Oil on board, "Double Bill" chosen for inclusion in the 2015 BC exhibition.
- 2009 - Birds in Art
Water colour, "The Penthouse" chosen for inclusion in the 2009, Birds in Art exhibition.
- 2010 - Artists for Conservation
Water colour, "Enchanted Corner" chosen for inclusion in the 2010 online exhibition.
- 2014 - Birds in Art
Oil on Belgian linen, "The Arrival" chosen for inclusion in the 2014, Birds in Art Exhibition.
- 2014 - Arts for Conservation
Oil on Belgian linen, "Three Generations" chosen for inclusion in the 2014 BC exhibition and traveling show to the Sonora Desert Museum.
- 2014 - Naivahsa Owl Centre
Watercolour, "Golden Eye" auctioned off with partial proceeds given to the Naivasha Owl Centre, located in Kenya's Rift Valley.
Publications:
- Artist Profile (2013)
- Article showcased paintings by the artist and his thoughts about Africa.
Published by: Official Publlication of HSC
- A Brush With the Bush, The Art of Peter Blackwell (2012)
- Article showcased paintings by the artist and his thoughts about Africa.
Author: Lisa Asch
Published by: Wildscape Wildlife Art & Conservation
- A Brush with Nature (2002)
- Article discussed the artist's thoughts and ideas on painting and the wildlife of Africa.
Author: Lisa Asch
Published by: Travel News and LifeStyles
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