Peter Retief studied graphic design in Cape Town and started his artistic career designing and creating packaging for prestigious wine companies and estates in the 1980’s and early 1990’s.

Demand for his ‘part time’ work enabled him to change his focus to producing artwork for a variety of clients on a full time basis.

Much of his work has been purchased by overseas clients and his works grace homes and establishments in Europe, the Americas and Australia.

He was an invited entrant in the prestigious Sanlam Art Awards in 1998 and his work has frequently been displayed in the South African Artists’ Diary.

"I am basically a realist, but I also do a bit of surrealism. My aim is eventually to express human emotions and spiritually" - Peter

A variety of selected Art Galleries display his work. The artworks are regularly rotated in order to give the gallery clientele the opportunity to view the variety of subjects he commits to canvas. From intense portrait subjects, still life or landscapes art lovers can view the talent and sensitivity this artist conveys to his audience through his work.

Peter works predominantly on commissions from various clients – many of the requests have been for portraits, estate buildings and animals. The care and attention given to each subject in order to capture the essence of their character has been a significant factor in Peter Retief’s success as a contemporary South African artist.

In recent years, Peter has been approached by individual artists to give lessons in technique in the various forms of composition he produces. This is an ongoing aspect of his busy life that can be arranged by appointment.  

Peter resides, and has his studio, in the heart of the Overberg in the small town of Napier.