In the heart of Galveston, where the rhythm of the tides meets the passage of time, Robert A. Peterson's art serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring allure of coastal living. His work inspires enthusiasts to cherish the beauty that surrounds them. 

 A versatile creator whose passion for the arts, particularly in the realms of whimsical cartoons and captivating children's literature, Peterson has woven a vibrant tapestry into the fabric of the community. 

 Peterson said his upbringing along the Southern California coast, coupled with two years spent living in Mexico and residing near the Gulf of Mexico, continues to serve as the inspiration behind his passion for portraying tropical beaches worldwide, along with other elements of nature's serene charm. 

 “Being based in Galveston has brought a calming influence on my artwork. There is so much inspiration everywhere you look. There is something about ‘island time’ that is real and unescapable. I love it. The iconic architecture and wildlife beg to be a part of my artwork,” he said. 

 Peterson relocated to the Galveston area a decade ago with his wife Jana. “Looking at the beach views or the different types of ships of every kind is so inspirational for the artistic mind.” 

 From tender beginnings, Peterson's passion for sketching knew no bounds. Nurtured by the guiding light of supportive mentors and stirred by the kaleidoscope of life's palette, he honed his craft. Peterson progressed from drawing doodles into a renowned cartoonist and beloved storyteller. 

 “Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated with the idea of drawing what I saw - that included animals, people, and cartoons. I would always push myself to improve my drawing or painting with each project,” he said.

 

 Peterson co-owns Vacation on Canvas gallery with his wife Jana. Their charming gallery is located on Postoffice Street in downtown Galveston. 

 “I remember in kindergarten doing holiday projects for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and how fun it was to celebrate the holidays and use my art as part of that expression,” said Peterson, the son of a U.S. Air Force veteran pilot who retired in California.

 The environment provided the younger Peterson with the chance to develop a profound love for the beach, mountains, and nature. He said his father instilled the values of hard work and emphasized that success comes through dedication.

 “He and my mom always encouraged me to follow my passion, and I will always be grateful for their example and encouragement.” 

When he began dabbling in art as a child, he gravitated toward oil paints, but in a location such as Galveston, where humidity is high, oil paints take months to dry. 

 “I am too impatient to wait to add my details to my artwork. I prefer to use acrylic paint because it dries so fast and is non-toxic,” he said. 

 Inspired by the natural wonders of Galveston, Peterson- who is also a freelance illustrator and former syndicated cartoonist - infuses his creations with the island's tranquil beauty, depicting its iconic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and expansive shores with an unparalleled coastal allure. 

 At the heart of his repertoire lies the cherished children’s book series, "The Undersea Adventures of Timmy Turtle,” a literary gem that entertains and educates young readers about the wonders of marine life. 

 Through endearing characters like Timmy Turtle and Sammy Seahorse, Peterson fosters curiosity and instills a deep appreciation for the mysteries of the ocean. 

 “I have always painted sea turtles, but with Timmy Turtle I wanted to do an extremely cute cartoon version that I could use to tell the unique story about the life of sea turtles. In the first book, I talk about where Timmy comes from and how the female turtles start coming ashore at the age of 20 and continue laying eggs until they are 80 years old,” said the father of six, grandfather of nine granddaughters, eight grandsons and great-grandfather of one. 

 His second book, currently with the publisher, explores the diet of sea turtles and the challenges they face in finding food. This book introduces more characters like Sammy Seahorse and Crabby the blue crab, hoping to inspire the next generation of marine biologists. 

“Our five-year-old granddaughter often snuggles up to me, eager to explore my shark books and learn about their habitats and diets. We jestingly tell our son that she'll likely end up studying at Texas A&M Galveston to pursue marine biology.” 

 A freelance illustrator, Peterson also created the comic series "Adventures in Nature," in the American International Syndicate, which was distributed across the United States and internationally.

 

 Additionally, he produced editorial cartoons for Capitol New Service, and he took pleasure in crafting hidden picture puzzles for publications such as "The Friend," "Highlights," and various children's magazines. 

 Within the bustling downtown of Galveston, Peterson's art gallery serves as a sanctuary for creative expression, drawing artists and admirers who like to immerse themselves in his evocative work. Here, visitors are invited to embark on a journey of imagination and introspection, guided by Peterson's distinctive artistic vision. 

 “There are so many talented artists on the island, and that is very inspiring. I miss visiting with some of the original artists of Galveston like Jack Morris and others whom we have lost,” said the artist who is fluent in Spanish.

 “By being bilingual, I have been able to work with clients in my gallery from around the world and that is very enjoyable. In Galveston, you never know who is going to come into your gallery,” he said. 

 “On one occasion, the ex-president of El Salvador and his family came into my gallery. I get to meet some of the most interesting people in the world.” 

 Being part of an ever-expanding arts enclave in downtown Galveston cultivates a vibrant creative environment, Peterson said. He believes that the presence of numerous skilled artists and musicians serves as a compelling attraction for the island community, inspiring imaginative thinking and artistic expression. 

 “That is what I love about being at my studio and gallery every day. It affords me the opportunity to visit with local artists and friends.” 

“I love Galveston because I have always been - and will always be - a beach person at heart.” Vacation on Canvas is located at 2204 Postoffice Street. The gallery is open from 12 to 6pm, Wednesday through Monday, and closed on Tuesdays. For more information, please visit www.vacationoncanvas.com, call 409.974.4066, or email robert@vacationoncanvas.com.