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Overview
"My painting is about atmosphere and light and the mood that you are trying to get when you walk through the streets. Trying to find that balance of light is what excites me"
Dedicated to painting outdoors, Peter van Breda is driven by a passion for capturing the fleeting effects of light, atmosphere and movement directly onto canvas. Working en plein air, he responds instinctively to his surroundings, creating vibrant compositions that convey both the immediacy and spirit of a place. Born in Zimbabwe in 1957, his early years spent on a remote farm fostered a deep connection to the natural world and a keen sensitivity to changing light and landscape. Now based in Lincolnshire, his work reflects a rich contrast between the expansive African terrain of his youth and the varied landscapes of Britain, further enriched by extensive travels and painting across Europe and beyond. Working rapidly to seize transient moments before they shift, Peter's paintings are characterised by energetic brushwork, luminous colour and a strong sense of atmosphere. From the waterways of Botswana to the canals of Venice and the iconic stretches of the River Thames, his work captures a dynamic impression of time and place. Light on water and the architecture of London's bridges have been enduring themes, inspiring scenes of St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge and, more recently, Chelsea Embankment and Stamford. A frequent visitor to Venice, he is particularly drawn to painting at dawn and dusk, when the city's quieter moods emerge. His work has been widely exhibited, including with the Royal Society of British Artists, and is held in numerous private and corporate collections. -
Works
Peter van Breda
Snow in Berkeley Square, LondonOil on Canvas65 x 81 cms / 25½ x 32 inchesSigned 'P Van Breda' (lower left)Further images
Description
Snow in Berkeley Square, London is a celebration of one of Mayfair’s most elegant garden squares, transformed by the stillness of winter. Fresh snow softens the architecture and pathways of Berkeley Square, while warm glowing windows and scattered figures bring life and movement to the scene. Van Breda’s expressive brushwork captures the fleeting beauty of a snowy London afternoon.
A recurring theme throughout Peter van Breda’s work is his fascination with returning to the same viewpoints time and time again, observing how light, weather and atmosphere can entirely reshape a place. In Snow in Berkeley Square, the artist revisits one of London’s most recognisable squares under a blanket of snow, revealing how dramatically a familiar setting can change with the seasons. The same streets and buildings take on a new sense of calm, demonstrating how weather can alter not only the appearance of a location, but also the emotional experience of being there. With its sophisticated palette of cool whites, deep blues, and warm golden highlights, Snow in Berkeley Square, London offers a timeless London scene filled with seasonal charm.
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