"Catriona" Painting

Peter Francisco (b. 1990, Philippines) is a self-taught artist based in Adelaide, South Australia. After a childhood rich in both academics and creativity, Peter temporarily put aside his artistic ambitions at age 15 to focus on a career in IT. It wasn’t until he earned his master’s degree in IT in Australia that he rediscovered his passion for painting, picking up the brush again at age 30.

Though primarily self-taught, Peter has refined his skills through workshops at the Adelaide Central School of Art and by learning from renowned artists worldwide. His watercolor portrait of a T’boli girl earned him first prize at the 2022 Royal Adelaide Art Show, a testament to his keen eye for detail and deep cultural roots. His work, heavily inspired by his life in the Philippines, has been exhibited in Sydney and is part of private collections in the Philippines, Australia, the U.S., Canada, and Japan.

Currently balancing a full-time career in cybersecurity, Peter devotes his spare time to exploring his passion for art, particularly in portraying Filipino culture. Through his art, Peter brings to life the vibrant stories and traditions of his homeland, offering a connection to his cultural heritage while embracing his journey in Australia.