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A Note from a Collector One of the things I find most amazing about Matthew's work is how he is able to take the essential elements of classic art and make them unmistakably his own. In doing this his work becomes both timeless and relevant to his own time. Quite frankly, I know of no other contemporary artist who has succeeded at this. - Robert Townson - Record Producer and Vice President of Varése Sarabande Records
Artist Statement I was born into a world revolving around art. My father was an artist, the renowned illustrator Bob Peak. With his artwork gracing major magazines and movie posters, coupled with my parents having met in art school, artistic exposure was a large aspect of my upbringing. By the time I was four years old I was spending a lot of time in my dad's studio sitting on the rug drawing pictures and watching him paint. Frequently we would talk about the painting he was currently working on. Our discussions matured naturally into a wonderful interchange of artistic ideas and this remained consistent in our relationship until his death in 1992. It wasn't until my later years in art school that I realized how much I had learned from him.   Inspirations, Techniques & Goals Nature with all its beautiful relationships is the forefront of my artistic appreciation and expression. Whether it be the predominate subject itself, or a backdrop for figurative compositions, nature plays an integral role in virtually all of my artwork. I strive to express the beauty of form and create moments that provoke contemplation for the viewer. I strongly feel that each painting needs to be unique and convey aspects that can only exist within itself. While many of my ideas develop over time, location and spontaneous expression yields a result that is hard to surpass. I feel it would be tragic to limit myself to any set approach. I work directly from life as well as from my imagination relying on intuition rather than technique, and always painting from my heart. Ongoing Studies A sizeable portion of my ongoing education comes through the studying of great art as well as life itself. The subjects of art, music, dance, mythology and photography, to note a few, continually enhance my artwork. Studying my favorite works of art in museums throughout the world has enriched all aspects of my life in addition to giving me the art lessons which only these great masterpieces can. Current and Future Horizons I am very excited about this time in my life. My skills are flourishing, my focus is clear and I'm producing my best work ever. My career has taken a solid turn to fine art gallery paintings built on a foundation of numerous commissions including movie posters and symphonic record covers. I plan on continuing my explorations and studies and feel confident that these efforts will enhance my art for years to come!
Education 1977-79 apprenticeship with illustrator Bob Peak 1979-80 School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 1980-81 Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA. 1981-82 School of Visual Arts, New York 1982 Art Students League, New York Teaching Academey of Art College - figure drawing 1998-99	Commissioning Patrons Bantam, Doubleday, Dell Publishing Inc. Castlerock Entertainment The Franklin Mint Intra Link Film Design Masters Film Music Metro Goldwyn Mayer Miramax Films New Line Cinema Orion Pictures San Francisco Ballet Union Carbide Corp. Varèse Sarabande Records Vestron Video
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all images and text © 2001 Matthew Joseph Peak