"We are sad to share the news that Peter Kelly NEAC RBA died on 17 April this year. He was a member of the New English Art Club from 2007 and a member of the Royal Society of British Artists since 1982.
Peter was an enthusiastic member of both societies and I particularly remember him from the RBA where he was always the first person to put himself forward to support events and exhibitions. I was fortunate to recently meet Peter and his wife Brenda at Aldeburgh where we were both handing in work for an exhibition at Thompson's. Members of both societies will miss his friendship and his skilful, beautiful, evocative paintings at exhibitions. Our thoughts go out to his wife Brenda and the family of his two sons.
Peter trained in graphic design at the West Ham School of Art and Technology and afterwards at the Central School of Art and Design in London. In 1957, he pursued a career as a graphic designer, illustrator and painter.
Peter’s paintings display his mastery of light. His preference for a limited palette of muted tonal colours, occasionally warmed by brighter accents which was reminiscent of the Dutch and Scandinavian Schools. His painting of architecture shows the fine classical draughtsmanship which characterises his work. Peter painted interiors, landscapes and still life. He explored the world of empty rooms, mysterious corridors, atmospheric canals and ancient silent churches. Peter’s works are invariably paintings of stillness, of moments suspended in time. In a world of increasing pace and rapidity they offer an escape into a world of calm and quiet reflection.
We shall all miss him."