Kevin Peterson

1964 - 2016

Kevin Peterson

Key West, Florida

On April 4th 2016, Key West and the Art World lost a shining beacon of humanity known to those who knew and loved him as Kev. "Riding the last wave" was Kevin's last painting and the title of his last Facebook posting which was typical of the manner and grace in which he conducted both his personal and business life.

Kevin was a master watercolorist focusing on nature and male figurative art, which was earning him international acclaim. Born in Gulfport Mississippi and attended Mississippi State University. From an early age Kevin was attracted to the beauty of nature and animals and originally began his college experience with becoming a veterinarian. His passion for art overtook the desire to be a veterinarian however and as was typical of Kev he followed what was in his heart and never looked back. He shifted majors and he received a B.F.A degree in Art in 1988. His love affair with nature was something he wanted to share with others and was unique in his ability to paint the male form interacting with nature. In addition to the male form, Kevin was well-known for his watercolors of turtles, pelicans and other island wildlife.

Kevin's spiritual nature is reflected in his logo and throughout his art in the form of birds. Many times Kevin recounted a story in which while he was traveling by car in terrible weather – sweaty palms, almost no visibility – a Great White Egret flew right in front of his windshield and he knew at that very moment that he would be ok, because his guardian angels were with him, guiding him to safety. Ever since Kevin always felt that birds seemed to show up when he needed reassurance.

In 1988 Kevin found the love of his life Jeff Beck and spent their early time together in Key West and then moving to Gulfport working at Belk Stores as a Regional Visual Coordinator while at the same time honing his artist skills. While in Key West, Kevin was known for his generosity to various non-profits such as Aids Help and Key West Wildlife Center by donating both his time and works of art to help raise money. While in Key West in the late 80's Kevin worked for Fast Buck Freddies and was instrumental in designing two award winning Fantasy Fest floats. In 2015 Kevin achieved yet another milestone in his life by opening his own Gallery in the heart of Old Town called KepArt Studio Gallery. From the moment the doors opened, Kevin's art was embraced by the local Community as well as visitors to the Island.

Kevin was always one to pay things forward and he used his Gallery to showcase local artists utilizing different mediums than his own. In addition to the gallery opening, Kevin was also commissioned by the Business Guild for their annual Headdress Ball poster in 2015 which was the most popular and sold for more than any other headdress poster. In addition Kevin designed this years Key West Food & Wine Festival poster. Besides being recognized nationally as a master water colorist, Kevin's artwork has been published worldwide including Art of Man which made the cover, BOS magazine as well as many other publications and international calendars. During his last days with us, Kevin was at peace knowing that he had achieved all of his goals and aspirations in life and did them all on his terms with grace, dignity and Love. Our hopes and prayers are that he is still being led by a Great White Egret.

Kevin is survived by his husband Jeffrey Beck along with his mother Margaret Peterson Hover, sister Cindy DeFrances and brother Tim Peterson as well as his in laws Joel and Jacki Beck Sister in law Jeanette Beck Cooper, nieces Maggie, Ashley and Janelle nephew TJ, Joshua and many other family members who love him. In lieu of flowers it was Kevin's wish that any donations be made to the Key West Wildlife Center. An informal celebration of life will be held this Thursday 4/14/2016 from 5:30 to 7 pm at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center on the deck. Just stop by and tell your story over a glass of wine.