Peter Sylvada was an American inter-disciplinary fine artist and illustrator.

Peter graduated with honors from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. His extensive body of work spans major ad campaigns, on-and-off Broadway poster art, children's books, project development art, wine festival and food art, editorial and commercial advertising. With a profound acuity for light and space, Peter's art pieces become regarded paragons. He was a fine artist that worked collaboratively with Ad Agencies, Design Firms, Corporate Art Departments, and Publishers for industries and clients of every size.

Born on a breezy summer day in La Jolla, California, Peter was raised along the shorelines of the Pacific, stretching south to the Sea of Cortez. Raised in a beach cottage working-class home with a strong appreciation of the great outdoors, Peter blended his life's passions with his life's work. Apparent in the mood and light generated in his paintings, Peter's love of the Ocean, everything sunlit, great literature, the human existence, and a love of the great painting masters seem to permeate throughout his works. Upon graduating from Art Center College of Design, Peter moved directly to New York City to begin his career, illustrating life's plan.

In 2005, Peter wrote in his own words: “I was focused early as a child with visions of painting some famous book like Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea, then vacationing to some tropical far-off place with my fishing gear, mask, and snorkel. Bless my Mom for Steinbeck, Hemingway, watercolors, and blank paper! Thank Picasso for “Guernica". I had a professor in college who said two things of strength and character that have stuck with me since: one that failure breeds success, the more you fail, the more you succeed; the other was that when you dream large and beautiful dreams, even falling a bit short is a wonderful thing, just imagine it happening, the road to get there and be persistent. So far, I think this is me."

Peter Sylvada has painted for clients such as Toyota and Nissan Motors Corporations, Holland America Cruise Lines, Hilton Hotels, United Airlines, and many more. He has illustrated many operas as well as theatre works such as "The Color Purple" on Broadway. He has written and illustrated his own book and his first gallery exhibit is forth-coming. Stay tuned.

Sadly, Peter Sylvada passed away on October 31, 2021. Those fortunate to know firsthand the complexity of Peter understood and respected him. If he allowed you to witness his inner being, not to mention his soul, it was a sacred gift. Son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle, friend, and a Force of Nature, Peter’s genius speaks volumes in his paintings, displaying his intelligence, heart, and sensibility. Peter Sylvada was brave, a warrior to the end, on his terms. His legacy lives on... Fly free like a bird Peter.

*Seeking shade in an olive tree. Florence, Italy 2003*

Peter Sylvada treated his paintings like children, and other than a few commissioned pieces, kept his massive collection of work intact. Since Peter's passing in 2021, time has been taken to categorize and assess over 500 pieces of art, each depicting the unbridled brilliance of Peter Sylvada, the artist. At this time, the decision has been made to offer a select few pieces of the Peter Sylvada Collection for sale.

Peter Sylvada was an American inter-disciplinary fine artist and illustrator.

Peter Sylvada’s first picture book, A Symphony of Whales, was named a 1999 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book and won the Christopher Medal.

His theatrical portfolio includes the key art illustration for The Color Purple and marque poster art for Aida, Don Quixote, La Bohème, and The Box Car Children.

In 2005, Peter was awarded the Gold Medal of Illustration by the Society of Illustrators, New York. His atmospheric paintings capture the inspiring stories of sacrifice and hope.