About Peter Blackwell

Kenyan born, Peter Blackwell has been intrigued by Africa’s environments and 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 lifetime interest, that of wildlife painting.

Virtually self taught in the area of fine art, Peter built up a reputation as a watercolour artist specialising in birds, 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 and acrylics 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, 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 over twenty-five years. He has completed countless commissions and held over forty-five successful solo shows since 1987 in Nairobi, London and across America. His work has been reproduced in limited edition prints, giclees 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, China, Europe, India, Japan, Kenya, Nepal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Zambia.

Each of Peter’s works is an attempt to capture even a brief glimpse of the many beauties found in the world’s natural habitats. It is his hope that each piece may strike a chord with viewers, allowing them to step into another world.

Recent Accomplishments:

2018 – “Dancing with the Light” original acrylic included in the Artists for Conservation virtual and live exhibition – British Columbia

2017 – “A Brave New World” original acrylic included in the Artists for Conservation virtual and live exhibition – British Columbia

2017 – “A Shock of Blue” original acrylic included in the Artists for Conservation virtual exhibition – British Columbia

2017 – Artist of the Year, DSC

2015 – “Black Beauty” original watercolour shortlisted in the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year Competition

2015 – “Double Bill” original oil included in the Artists for Conservation, virtual and live exhibition – British Columbia

2014 – “The Arrival” original oil included in the Birds in Art exhibition, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

2014 – “Three Generations” original oil included in the Artists for Conservation, virtual and live exhibition –

British Columbia and Senora Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona

2014 – “Happy Hour” original watercolour included in the Artist for Conservation, virtual exhibition

2010 – “Enchanted Corner” original watercolour included in the Artists for Conservation, exhibition

2009 – “The Penthouse” original watercolour included in the Birds in Art exhibition, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum

Publications:

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Art Book, 2019

Artists for Conservation Annual Environmental Calendar, 2018

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Art Book, 2018

The Art of Conservation, An International Exhibit of Nature in Art, 2017

The Art of Conservation, An International Exhibit of Nature in Art, 2015

Birds in Art, 2014

The Art of Conservation, An International Exhibit of Nature in Art, 2014

Hunter’s Horn, (cover feature), Summer 2013

The Art of Conservation, An International Exhibit of Nature in Art, 2013

Wildlife Fine Art in Japan, Vol. 3, 2012

Gametrails, (cover feature), Vol. XIX, No. 1, Spring 2012

Wildscape Magazine, Vol. 12 No. 1, 2012

The Art of Conservation, An International Exhibit of Nature in Art, 2010

Birds in Art, 2009

A Gallery of East African Birds, 2009

Legacy, (cover feature), 2008

Travel News & Lifestyle, (cover feature), Issue No. 98, July, 2002

Wildlife Photographer of the Year – Portfolio Seven, (cover), 1997

Traveller’s Guide to Tanzania, Lisa Asch & Peter Blackwell, 1997

Conservation and Charity Support:

Rhino Ark, Mara Conservancy, Nature Kenya, Naivasha Owl Centre, Big Life Foundation, Central Texas – SCI, Dallas

Safari Club, Houston Safari Club, Texas Hill Country – SCI, West Texas SCI, Raptor Rehabilitation Trust Kenya, Boys and

Girls Club – Laredo, Texas, East African Women’s League

Organization Memberships: