As an artist Peter Brown has won many accolades, including an artist-in-residence award at London’s Savoy Hotel, where he stayed in the suite previously occupied by Claude Monet, from which the French artist painted his famous views of the Thames and the Palace of Westminster in the 1870s.

Brown’s London work has proved that he is a master of capturing the moment, whether it be one of leaden skies or bright sunshine over the city. For his latest exhibition ‘Pete the Street’, as he has become known, has taken up residence in Edinburgh, where he has been a familiar sight over the past months as he has endeavoured to capture the capital city in all its moods. Having temporarily abandoned his studio and home in Bath, Pete is now putting the finishing touches to his works for an exhibition presented by Alex Meddowes at 39 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, from 12 to 21 August.

He began the mammoth task of capturing city street scenes about a year ago and has spent spent four days each week transferring his vision of Auld Reekie onto canvas. In his own words ‘I am really a country boy at heart and I find big cities exciting. This is a real adventure for me. I know I am going to miss things out, but I am not here to paint a comprehensive record of the city. I am here to paint what I see.’ Pete also loves meeting people – ‘Real people are part of the story and they love being in the painting,’ he says. His regular stance in various neighbourhoods of Edinburgh with his easel and brush has brought him into contact with lots of city residents. He was painting in Ann Street on consecutive days and was befriended by a lady who had lived there for many years who was able to tell him what the city was like in the 40s.

He cherishes these new acquaintances who have helped him in his work. In almost a year of capturing the capital on canvas Pete Brown’s Edinburgh features a sparkly morning in North Bridge, twilight looking down Howe Street to the Firth of Forth, Ainslie Place in the early spring twilight, late afternoon sun in George Street, blossom in Ann Street, the Scott Monument from St David St, an early May evening from Calton Hill and of course Edinburgh in thick haar. This exhibition, which features 55 paintings in total, is, like its author, unique. It is a journey on canvas through the heart of Edinburgh which brings the city and its inhabitants to life. Vibrant, colourful and full of energy, this is an exhibition not to be missed. Who knows, you might be in it!

fieldfacts

Peter Brown Exhibition At Alexander Meddowes, Fine Art Broker, 39 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh August 12-21 2009. Tel: 0131 558 1000 www.alexandermeddowes.com