Peter Wyse, a Sobey Art Award nominee, was born in 1970 (The Year of the Dog) in Kamloops, British Columbia. He works from his home studio in the historic village of Clayburn, 75 km east of Vancouver. Peter shares this charming space with his wife, son and labradoodle ‘Sprite’. Peter was introduced to art at an early age through his grandfather, R.E.Walker, who schooled his grandson in the practice of painting and the discipline required by an artist. He later studied art history and fine arts at the University of British Columbia. Four years after receiving his degree, his grandfather suggested, “Time to quit your day job!” This encouragement has led to successful solo and group exhibitions in BC, Alberta and Washington State. His work is now featured in private collections throughout the world. “I live within a landscape of dogs and frogs, flora and fauna, and even a rubber duck or two. My life is both peaceful and playful and this is what I paint.” Peter Wyse’s eclectic art interests range from Matisse and Rothko to the murals of mesoamerica. These influences are evident within his spatial relationships and with his lively use of colour and line. While Peter has worked with a range of mediums, he now paints exclusively with acrylics. Insatiably curious, Peter takes great delight in the mundane, using his unique style of layering and sanding flat coats of paint to reveal how the ordinary can become extraordinary.