Biography

 

Peter Leckett’s journey as an artist is rooted deeply in the rural communities of Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec and its adjacent Canadian Shield. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Peter exhibited an early talent for drawing, finding a mentor of sorts in the televised works of John Gnagy. It was through this pioneer, a forerunner to later television artists, that Peter’s love for drawing was kindled. These early black-and-white charcoal renderings stirred in him a desire to pursue art long into adulthood.

 

While his artistic talents were apparent, Peter initially took a different professional path, pursuing a Bachelor of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo. Though his career as a software engineer provided intellectual stimulation, the call to create art was never far. Alongside his technical pursuits, Peter nurtured his creativity at the Ottawa School of Art and through various workshops, including those led by artists such as Shiela Davis, Ken Finch and Brian Atyeo.

Peter's artistic identity is profoundly influenced by an enduring love for the outdoors—a passion that naturally drew him to landscapes as his chosen subject matter. Whether painting en plein air or within the studio's quiet sanctuaries, Peter employs a restricted palette and an intuitive creative process. He approaches each piece with minimal preconceptions, allowing the work to evolve organically—its essence coaxed from spontaneous brush strokes and dynamic mark-making.

Peter's work stands out for his skill in capturing intricate landscapes with an impressive brevity of expression. Initially, the artwork seems detailed and representational. Upon closer inspection, it reveals a charming interplay of assured brushstrokes and creative markings. His keen perception and robust sense of composition, paired with a distinctive painting style, evoke vivid realism from minimal brushwork. The observer is captivated by both the natural scene's beauty and the artistry's straightforward execution.

His distinguished membership in the Ontario Society of Artists (OSA), the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour (CSPWC), and the Society of Canadian Artists (SCA) underscores Peter’s status within the artistic community. His works have graced the walls of esteemed galleries such as Koyman Galleries in Ottawa and the Viva Vida Art Gallery in Pointe-Claire, Quebec. Past exhibitions at Ottawa’s Electric Street Gallery have similarly showcased his considerable talent.

Through his artwork, Peter Leckett confidently asserts the intrinsic value of nature's beauty. His goal is to mature his style and to continue to advance contemporary landscape painting, wherever that may lead.

Exhibitions

• 2024 - Annual Smalls Exhibition, Koyman Galleries, Ottawa
• 2024 - SCA Elected Members Juried Exhibition, Montreal
• 2023 - SCA International Juried Online Exhibition
• 2022 - OSA Ambient Landscapes, 150th Anniversary Members Exhibition, Art Gallery of North Humberland, Cobourg
• 2016 - CSPWC Ontario East Members Show, Brockville Arts Centre, Brockville
• 2013 - SCA National Open,45th National Open Juried Exhibition, Ogilvy Centre, Montreal
• 2013 - SCA Members Show, Joseph D. Carrier Gallery, Toronto
• 2009 - Ottawa International Airport
• 2008 - CSPWC - Open Water - John B. Aird Gallery, Toronto
• 2007 - Ottawa Watercolour Society - Cube Gallery, Ottawa
• 2006 - Society of Canadian Artists - Ogilvy Centre - Montreal
• 2005 - Society of Canadian Artists - Ogilvy Centre, Ottawa

Publications

• 2002 - International Artist - Oct/Nov issue 2002

Elections

• 2020 - Ontario Society of Artists (OSA)
• 2011 - Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour (CSPWC)
• 2002 - Society of Canadian Artists (SCA)

Academia

• 1980 - B. Math - University of Waterloo

Representation