Peter Colbert graduated from Humber College after which he won a scholarship to OCAD in Toronto. He was born and lived for years in Vancouver and grew up in Toronto. Colbert now makes Ottawa his home and is inspired by his family cottage in Quebec, where he creates artwork in his studio. His paintings can be found in galleries in British Columbia, Quebec, the U.S., and Ontario, and in the homes of collectors from Europe to North America. He has lived a life that’s enriched heavily by art; winning numerous awards, from as early as a child in Toronto to many others as an adult in the illustration, graphic design and fine art fields. Colbert’s work is sold throughout the world since he’s known internationally. In his career he has learnt the value of seeing things from a unique perspective, and the importance of interpretation.
After learning the basics of excellent draftsmanship he spent several years honing his painting skills, and worked hard to put his personal stamp on his art. His inspiration comes from artists like Rothko, Diebenkorn, Jack Bush and Degas. Colbert appreciates artists who express themselves in more unique and creative ways. In each of his paintings the artist sees the opportunity to create something that carries his trademark flamboyance. Many of his paintings are representative; but he also produces some abstract works. He’s mainly known for his figurative paintings, as well as his interpretive landscapes which run into the abstract. Colbert continually finds himself working to cut out the clutter in his painting, as it distracts from the essential elements on the canvas.