Pete Roberts
Pete Roberts is a local Orange County artist who grew up in Tustin and has been a resident of Orange for over 30 years. Pete credits the women in his life for much of the impetus for his art career; his mother for sending him to his room where he spent hours drawing and his wife for purchasing his first formal watercolor lessons as a Christmas gift.
Pete works exclusively in watercolor and the majority of his work is done plein air. Pete's vibrant watercolors include colorful landscapes, seascapes and florals from Tuscany, Cape May New Jersey and multiple California venues including coastal views from Oceanside to Santa Cruz and street scenes from Orange County to Claremont.
Though gifted with natural talent and love for being outdoors in nature, Pete’s work has also benefited from over 20 years of workshops and classes with top watercolor artists such as Eric Wiegardt, Brenda Swenson, Joseph Stoddard, Mel Stabin, Judy Schroeder, Marge Chavooshian, Gerald Brommer and Marie Natale
When asked to comment on his development as an artist, Pete stated, “Many of the artists that I have studied with have emphasized that drawing daily, “painting with your pencil” and more drawing is the key foundation to growing as an artist. As I have focused on drawing, I have seen growth in understanding value, design and thus an overall improvement in my paintings.”
Pete is not a full-time artist but works fulltime in the insurance industry specializing in life, long-term care and health insurance. Pete has been married to Elise for over 45 years and they have two adult children and four grandchildren. In addition to painting, Pete enjoys other outdoor activities such as fishing and travel; activities that allow him to observe, sketch and develop subjects for his artwork.
Pete is a Juried Member of Watercolor West. Currently, Pete’s art is displayed in Chemers Gallery in Tustin, California.