Matthew Peak is an unusual painter who is known for his imaginative allegorical and literary works. He paints beautiful, moody landscapes and figurative compositions that reflect his interest in Symbolist art and turn-of-the-century American illustration. Peak's father was the famous American illustrator Bob Peak (1927 - 1992), so he grew up in an artistic milieu. Although he was not certain about a career as an artist, Peak served an apprenticeship with his father and then furthered his training at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, and finally the School of Visual Arts and the Art Students League in New York. Like his father, Peak became a successful illustrator, but today concentrates on gallery work. This past summer, Southwest Art, the leading publication for traditional art, ran a lengthy feature on Peak's work and artistic philosophy. He is an Artist Member of the California Art Club.

"Origin of Flight" 48" x 24" Oil on Canvas