Pete Roberts - Watercolor Artist

Pete Roberts came to painting about ten years ago. An insurance salesman by day, he felt an affinity with the medium of watercolor and began the process of educating himself through reading and practice. Feeling self-education insufficient he began taking workshops with the masters such as artists Joe Stoddard, Eric Weingardt, Mel Stabin, and Judy Schroeder. Pete's beautiful watercolors are brand new to Chemers Gallery, and we're so excited to have them!

"Crystal Cove Colors"

Pete most enjoys painting landscapes in plein air, but he also paints floral still life when he can't get out of doors. Crystal Cove Colors was painted from a sketch he made sitting at the Shake Shack along the Pacific Coast Highway. The view is instantly recognizable to anyone who's ever enjoyed a milkshake or two on the bluff overlooking the Pacific. This painting, with its vibrant color, brings back the sounds of the surf, the feel of the hot summer sun, and the sweet taste of ice cream.

"Autumn Afternoon, Claremont"

Pete has captured a gorgeous Californian fall day in Autumn Afternoon, Claremont. Claremont has wonderfully unique houses and trees, just right for the inspiration that Pete was looking for. The composition of the painting and the fall colors complement each other wonderfully, and works together to evoke that nostalgia we all feel for a crisp and clear autumn day. Another appeal that Claremont has is a certain absence of people wandering around, which means less distractions for the artist.

Pete related that when he was just starting out in his artistic journey, he felt a little insecure about painting in the open, just as we all do when starting something new. He was painting one day in Cape May, New Jersey where a passerby saw Pete's sketches, and gave an impromptu critique, most of which was negative. Determined and undaunted, Pete simply needed practice. Ten years later, his practice has certainly paid off!

Come visit Chemers Gallery and see Pete's beautifully vibrant watercolors before all of his friends snap them up. They're perfect to bring some of spring's new color into your home!