Although Peter Whitman has worked as an Architectural Illustrator for nearly 30 years, he never seriously considered the pursuit of fine art. From time to time people would goad him in that direction, but the result was total inertia. In 2009, what began as a tentative essay into that field blossomed into the realization of a dream; "Now for some serious fun...!"Peter's youthful passion for drawing would eventually become the impetus to study architecture. Four years of effort toward that goal, however, brought the grim admission that he was disenchanted with his chosen direction.

Fortunately at this critical juncture, Pete chanced upon a design studio that was strongly focused on historic architecture... Hello! This timely introduction to the rich aesthetics, the romantic allure, and - most importantly - the glorious drawing legacy of past centuries rekindled his passions. In the decades that followed, Peter built his style and tastes upon his influence.

Rather than a conventional career as an architect, Peter entered the allied field of architectural illustration. In time however, storm clouds began to form. Computers in the profession steadily encroached, causing the near extinction of hand drafting. With the body of skills that he had amassed, Peter contemplated fine art.

"Serious fun" ... Idiomatically, "serious" fun = "great" fun. In that sense, Peter loves to create art that simply captures his fancy and - hopefully - the fancy of others: "There's a jolly subject," he roars..."How 'bout that delicious view," as he is smitten with subject, composition and light that exude huge promise.

In another sense, the phrase may be a clue to deeper revelation. "Serious" and "fun" are rather opposite terms. Superficially, Peter seems driven to tackle very serious subjects. His realistic, detailed style compounds this perception...serious art, say, for a formal salon... But keep looking! Fun is lurking there: Under a dark, leaden sky, a friendly B&B cheerfully beckons... A narrow alleyway masks a grand Victorian brewery, brimming with foaming ales... and in front of an august British Inn, commanding all it surveys, a wee sign Welcomes Children - If they are well behaved! ... Enjoy Responsibly!