ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR

Teaching and Lectures

Instructor:  Scottsdale Artist School, Scottsdale, AZ

Instructor:  Studio "B", Scottsdale, AZ

Instructor:  Van Dusen Studios, Scottsdale, AZ

Lecturer:  Leisure World Art Association, Mesa, AZ


Awards

Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art

Permanent Collection, Bennington Center for the Arts, Bennington, Vermont

Gold Medal Artist, May Gallery, Danela Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ


Publications

 "I want to be a Master,"  Art of the West, May/ June 1992 

Art Editor and Combat Illustrator:  "Fighting 44,"  Korean Theater 1953

Artist's Philosophy

"The graphic language is the most universal form of communication. Fine Arts allows for a universal understanding of a person's deep feelings and interests."

Unlike many contemporary artists who quickly succumb to artistic specialization, Van Dusen contends that an artist's growth occurs more rapidly through variety.  Peter chooses to work with a wide range of subjects.  Subject, time and place always change.  Why choose one over the other?  

"Learn from the masters, but never be envious.  Admire the works of other artists, but never emulate other than to study.  Without forcing a style, allow your own style to evolve!   Know your subject, consciously, and be patient."

About the Artist

Scientist Turned Painter

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Peter Van Dusen is a well-established artist, one who has made a significant mark in the contemporary art world.  Raised in upstate New York, he holds a Ph.D. in geography and was the chairman of the Water Resources and Environmental Studies Department at the University of Michigan.  His years in teaching, illustrating, and consulting have sharpened his perception of the land and taught him to look closely at the relationship between people and their environment.


Van Dusen’s career as a painter began in 1980 when he and his wife and daughter moved to Arizona.  The transition from hard science to art was not easy, but one that was filled with many rewards.  Although Van Dusen had not received any formal art education, he used his natural talent and dedicated himself to art-related reading, researching, and experimenting which gave him the background he felt necessary to becoming a master painter. 


Peter now resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife, Mary.  Mary is a retired tennis professional and teacher, now a respected potter working in her Scottsdale studio, Cattle Track.  Their daughter, Kristin, is a first grade teacher and painter.