Peter Kelly: (1931-2019)

Peter Kelly NEAC RBA passed away in  2019.

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Artist Statement

Peter Kelly's paintings displayed his mastery of light. His preference for a limited palette of muted, tonal colours, occasionally warmed by brighter accents, was reminiscent of the Dutch and Scandinavian Schools (in particular Vilhelm Hammershoi who he greatly admired). His treatment of architecture showed the fine Classical draughtsmanship which characterised his work. Avoiding touristic cliches, his work brought to light deserted side streets and empty arcades of Venice, Istanbul, Amsterdam, St Petersburg . . . His art was one of subtle understatement which demanded and rewarded quiet contemplation.

Method of Working

Peter established colour and composition with a sketch, small in size, but fairly accurate in colour and tone values. This may have been repeated three or four times until a satisfactory result was achieved. Converting the results of the experimental sketches to the finished painting size could take several alterations in colour and composition, but the alterations added to the finished quality of his work.

Biographical Details

2019 Died 17 April 2019
2007 Elected a member of the New English Art Club
1995 Became a member of the Small Paintings Society
1982 Elected a full member of the Royal Society of British Artists
1957– Pursued career as a graphic designer, illustrator and painter
Trained in Graphic Design at the West Ham School of Art & Technology and afterwards at the Central School of Art & Design in London