About the artist

Bio - Peter Dooley

Peter Dooley is a contemporary master of black and white photography. He has a remarkable ability to create thought provoking views of unspoiled African landscapes that transcend the chaos and trauma of the world. His work brings a heightened sense of emotion, meditation and tranquility

Peter’s work has been exhibited at exhibitions and fairs that include those at: The Interior Design Trade Fair, ‘100 Percent Design’ exhibition at Gallagher Estates in Johannesburg, a solo exhibition, ‘Myriad of Extremes’ at Art of Print Gallery, Pretoria, and a group exhibition ‘ Look Outside’ at the opening of Gallery Afrique in Johannesburg. His work attracted buyers who purchased his artworks on all three occasions and beyond.

Art buyers from as far as Capetown to Pretoria, the UK, and the USA have bought Peter's artwork.

Peter has recently been selected to exhibit in an Invitational Exhibition, ‘The Healing Power of Color’ by Manhattan Arts International, New York City, NY

His early exposure to photography began six decades ago with his father, an accomplished photographer, who had a Rolleiflex camera and worked in a small darkroom in the back room of his garage. Little did Peter know that watching his father meticulously processing his work would ignite his own photography career much later in his adult life.

Peter’s passion for photography has always remained strong. After his father's passing, his mother gave him the old camera with its weathered leather casing, holding a myriad of stories untold.

Being a Professor of Ikenobo, his mother instilled in him a profound understanding of composition and balance rooted in the philosophy of Ikenobo. This philosophy, emphasising simplicity, elegance, and reverence for nature, is profoundly evident in his work.

His parents combined teachings has inspired him to create elegant, immersive artworks that are harmonious and inspiring in their simplicity.

Peter's career started In 2002 with a digital image of a honey bee captured on an orange Japanese Cosmos flower that graced the cover of a top South African magazine. This event changed his life and he knew that a career in photography was a perfect fit.

Despite early these accolades, he ultimately focused on commercial projects for financial reasons. His photography appeared on glossy magazine covers and featured in fashion articles, showcasing red-carpet events, celebrity profiles, awards ceremonies, and runway shows. Although these achievements boosted his ego, they never truly satisfied him spiritually.

Peter has now fully returned to his roots, focusing on nature. He feels comfortable being in the wide outdoors, far from the chaos of the world. It is here that he is able to connect with the soul of the African landscape to bring her story home to share with all

"Peter’s art is visual poetry that elevates us to a peaceful realm.” wrote Renee Phillips, Director of Manhattan Arts International, NYC, NY

Artist Statement

I see my work as a tribute to the natural world, an examination of the conspicuous, the beautiful, and the flawed.

I aim to create distinctive works showcasing peaceful nature scenes to bring tranquility into our busy world.

In the field, I use natural light and shadows to spark curiosity, capturing and sharing moments that inspire visual imagination and provoke thought.

I challenge the fragmented mindset and culture of sustainability complacency by revealing the gap between humanity and an idealised image of pristine

nature to inspire change. I delve into the essence of objects, going beyond the obvious to engage deeply with nature and infuse its meditative power into my work.

In my monochrome work, I utilise black and white shades to accentuate timeless authenticity, focusing on deep tones and highlights core to my work.

The rich blacks convey the intense emotions that attracted me to the subject.

When creating colour artworks, I skilfully balance and leverage colours to create balanced and strong artworks that inspires awe.

I respect patrons' personal interpretations of the art on their walls, as it should reflect their style and tell their own story in their space.

Peter Dooley

"Peter is a master in the art of landscape photography."

"Through his commanding use of black and white, Peter leads the viewer on an emotional journey through Southern Africa's majestic landscapes. His technical knowledge and skill push creative boundaries in the field and his love for his work is evident in every piece he produces.

We were privileged to view Peter's exhibition in person. The print we purchased for our collection is so beautiful and visually arresting that every visitor to our home stops in front of it to take it in. They fall as much in love with it as we did when we first saw it.

His unique blend of classic and contemporary provide new perspective into the Southern African wild; whether it be a dramatic storm gathering above ancient baobabs, a powerful yet sensitive portrait of the critically endangered quiver tree or rippled clouds mirroring where desert meets coast. It was a wonderful experience acquiring the artwork from Peter, who is incredibly generous with both his time and knowledge."

"Peter, I am always impressed by how crisp and clean your landscapes are."

"Your images are calming, thought provoking and serene.

You seem to have an uncanny ability to look through the haze and trauma afflicting the world to a more pristine view of what an unspoiled environment looks like, a view humanity has forgotten about or maybe never experienced.

You're an ambassador for environmental change in the face of our climate crisis.

Thank you for sharing these thought provoking views of the world that really gets the viewers attention and hopefully will lead to a sustainable change, before it's too late."

"Peter Dooley's Mastery of Black and White Landscape Photography"

"In a world teeming with vibrant colours, Peter Dooley stands as a master of capturing the ethereal beauty of landscapes through the lens of black and white photography.

With a keen eye for composition and a deep understanding of light and shadows, Peter transports viewers into a realm where monochrome becomes a gateway to a heightened sense of emotion and tranquillity.

Peter's photographs possess a remarkable ability to evoke a sense of timelessness, allowing viewers to see the natural world through a different lens. His choice to work exclusively in black and white strips away the distractions of colour, focusing attention solely on the raw elements of nature. Peter's artistry shines within this minimalist palette.

Composition plays a pivotal role in Peter's work. Each frame is meticulously crafted, showcasing a careful balance of elements and an impeccable sense of scale. From sweeping vistas to intimate details, Peter's photographs guide the viewer's gaze with precision. There is a harmonious interplay between light and dark, as shadows dance across the landscap.es, emphasizing the textures and contours of the natural world.

One striking aspect of Peter's black and white landscapes is his masterful control over tonal range. The grayscale spectrum he employs is rich and nuanced, revealing remarkable depth in every image. From the stark contrast of a rugged mountain peak against a brooding sky to the subtle gradations of mist cascading through magical African plains, Peter's photographs captivate the eye and invite contemplation.

Beyond technical prowess, Peter's photographs possess an undeniable emotional resonance. Each frame exudes a mood—a quiet stillness, a sense of awe, or a contemplative melancholy. It is through the absence of colour that he draws out the emotional essence of the landscapes, allowing viewers to connect on a deeper level. One cannot help but feel a sense of reverence for the majesty and grandeur of nature as portrayed through Peter's lens.

Peter Dooley's mastery of black and white landscape photography is an artistic feat that transcends the limitations of the medium. Through his meticulous composition, expert handling of tonal range, and profound emotional resonance, Peter transports viewers into a realm where nature's beauty is distilled into its purest form. With each photograph, he captures not only the visual splendour but also the intangible spirit that resides within the landscapes.

Peter Dooley's black and white landscapes are a testament to the enduring power of monochrome photography and a testament to his exceptional talent as a photographer"

Tammy Marshall, Art of Print Gallery,

South Africa