Artist Biographies
Gordon Peers
1909 - 1988
Estate Artist
An independent and disciplined painter, Gordon Peers acquired technical and theoretical art sophistication early in his career. Peers came under the influence of Frazier as a Rhode Island School of Design student, then went on to become Frazier's colleague when he later returned to his Alma mater to teach. The two would remain good friends throughout their lives, but their aesthetic paths would differ. Early on Peers had a tremendous success with his tightly delineated still life compositions, similar in technique to that of John Frazier. These canvases saw national exhibition at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Corcoran Art Gallery, Carnegie Institute and the National Academy of Design in the 1940's.
But by the 1950's the influence of Cezanne became evident in Peer's work and the painter began a lifetime of experimentation which would culminate in a body of thickly painted, brightly palette still life and landscapes. These signature pieces, which differed significantly from his mentor's work, were like stained glass canvases. During his life time, these later works never received the critical attention of early works. Unfortunately, this was primarily due to the dominance of abstract expressionism in the art world which left little room for the methodical and developed painting of Peers.
Today the work of Gordon Peers is enjoying a new audiences. In current critical review, Peers is acclaimed for his thoughtful composition, meticulous craftsmanship and great color sensibility. He was a member of the Providence Art Club and Provincetown Art Association. His work is in the collection of the Rhode Island School of Design.