I paint nature scenes, often related to old abandoned farm buildings, in the medium of egg tempera. I have always had a deep feeling about the natural world and am saddened by the elimination of much of the animal habitat and plant life that makes up America’s woodlands. I try to reflect that in my work by demonstrating the beauty in the texture and color of natural things. This often includes the wood and metal that we have abandoned along the way. When I work with egg tempera I am reminded that the natural world permeates everything that nurtures our existence. Egg tempera lends itself to detail as well as the layered color seen in nature. When I work in oils I am moved by the beauty and fluidity of nature. This gives rise to a softer image than my egg tempera works. In either case, I begin a piece by roughing out a composition in aqueous pencil on paper or panel. Then I revise it and tighten the details as necessary to achieve the feeling that I wish to impart with the image. If I am trying to evoke a relationship with the textures and smaller details found in the composition, I will work in tempera. If, on the other hand, the images are related to a broader beauty of nature, I will most often paint in oils. In our modern world, expansion and development marks our society’s feelings of success. I wish to show, through my paintings, that the natural world should not be ignored. God has made us stewards of our earth and man can destroy or enhance the property that He has loaned us. I hope that, in some small way, my paintings will help foster the understanding that the natural world permeates everything that nurtures our existence.

Here is a small selection of Pete's artwork.