Born in 1981 Robert Peterson is the true definition of tragedy to triumph and has set a standard of how talent breaks through whatever limitations life may bring. Robert’s career as an artist began less than three years ago; finishing his first painting on the day he was told that a major surgery was required to improve his quality of life. Peterson left the doctors office that day in June of 2012 and purchased a $6 paint set and a $7 double canvas set.  It was there that he discovered a new appreciation for life, family and art. Robert has always said "believe in yourself enough and eventually others will too" this is becoming very true for the young emerging Oklahoma artist as people everywhere are starting to pick up on his work.

Robert Peterson, a Goodyear production worker at the time of his injury, has been sketching his entire life. He sketched a portrait for his first celebrity (NY rapper Fabolous) in February of 2012 that was reposted on the celebrities Instagram and twitter accounts. As his sketches became more popular, prospective high-profile clients were asking for paintings which he couldn’t do. He said he didn't even considered painting until the recent health scare inspired him to use his work to leave something for his family.

"I try to connect to the canvas and the picture," Peterson said. "I want to bring life to the canvas. I want it to be full of color in my own unique style. I don't want it to be too natural. I want it to be different.  When I paint, the canvas becomes my voice.”

Peterson said he'll never forget when Robert L. Sparks, who helped to enlarge the awareness and importance of Andy Warhol works purchased a few of his paintings at a his debut art show in NYC in March of 2013. Peterson also participated in Art Basel Miami 2013 where celebrities like Gabrielle Union, Tyson Beckford and producer Gil Green came out to see and support his Art Basel debut. 

Peterson’s raw and almost instinctual works are now collected by fans worldwide, including professional athletes Darrell Revis, Amare Stoudemire, Kevin Durant, Carlos Boozer and Floyd Mayweather as well as celebrities like platinum recording artist Lil Wayne, Nike Australia and other art collectors from around the world. Robert has been featured on MTV.com, Hot97.com's artist to watch as well as GlobalGrind.com, NYC ABC 7 news, Huffington Post and several other blog sites as well as local news and papers in and around the town of Lawton where he currently lives and works full time as an artist.