Aware of a special gift at an early age, Walter Peterson explored the world of art since childhood. Born in St Petersburg, and growing up in Florida, he attended Florida State University, majoring in fine art and graphic design. He began his professional career as a portrait painter in Atlanta, Georgia in 1993. After living and working in that city until 2006, he now resides in South Florida. His passion for art keeps him exploring a wide range of subject matter while still painting portraits.

A perfectionist at heart, Walter takes his paintings to the highest level of refinement and sense of reality, sharing with the viewer a very compelling artistic experience.
 
In his constant quest for perfection, Peterson constantly studies the works and techniques of great masters, from Bouguereau to John Singer Sargent, as well as the work of artists living and working today. Among them Walter has chosen to study with the renowned John de la Vega, who he credits for taking his work to a whole new level of artistic and technical refinement.

Although he is adept at portraying all ages, his works depicting children stand out as full of personality and vitality. Capturing the innocence of youth in his realistic style allows the artist to accentuate the delicate qualities of childhood.

Over the last 14 years Mr. Peterson has painted over 300 portraits throughout the southeast of family and corporate clients, while also creating his own studio works. Living in S. Florida now and inspired by the ocean, he recently completed a new series of marine life art that can be seen at www.celebratedimages.net. One of his paintings "Costa Rica Sail" was featured in the December 2009 issue of Marlin Magazine along with other noteworthy marine life artist's works from around the world.