Biography
Peta Wainwright is a contemporary oil painter whose
evocative landscape works explore the profound connection
between nature, light, and atmosphere. Originally born and
raised in rural South Africa, Wainwright’s upbringing
amidst vast, untamed landscapes continues to deeply
influence her artistic practice.
Now based in Norfolk, UK,
she draws inspiration from the changing skies and natural
beauty surrounding her, capturing the stillness and
emotional resonance of the environment.
Wainwright’s paintings are characterized by their
atmospheric quality, often depicting expansive skies,
sweeping horizons, and the interplay of light and shadow.
Through her rich use of oil paint, she brings a sense of
serenity and grandeur to each scene, inviting the viewer to
experience the world through her intimate, contemplative
perspective.
She holds a Master’s degree from Norwich University of the
Arts and has garnered recognition for her work, being
shortlisted for the prestigious Sir John Hurt Art Prize and
named a finalist in the Holly Bush Emerging Woman
Painting Prize in London. Wainwright is represented by
Point Contemporary and continues to make her mark in the
contemporary art world with a compelling and distinct
voice.
Her work is a tribute to the landscapes that have shaped her
life and artistic journey, offering a visual exploration of the
beauty found in the vastness of nature and the quiet power
of light.
EXHIBITIONS
2024 Autumn, Point Contemporary, Cromer
2024 Open Studio, Summer,
2024 Smael, Point Contemporary, Cromer
2024 Open Studio Spring
2024 Sea/Land/Sky, Point Contemporary, Cromer
2023 Art for Youth, Mall Galleries, London
2023 North Norfolk Open Studios
2023 Women in Art Prize, Mall Galleries, London (Longlisted)
2023 Marine and Coastal Exhibition, The BIRDscapes Gallery, Glanford
2023 Suspended in Time: Autumn Exhibition, West Acre Gallery, West Acre
2023 Suspended in Time: Summer Sensations, West Acre Gallery, West Acre
2023 Suspended in Time: Spring Introspections, West Acre Gallery, West Acre
2022 The Sir John Hurt Art Prize, The Adrian Hill Gallery, Holt (Shortlisted)
2022 North Norfolk Open Studios
2022 The RA Summer Exhibition, Royal Academy, London, (Shortlisted)
2022 Holly Bush, Emerging Woman Painting Prize, Lauderdale House, Hampstead (Finalist)
2022 Waves of Seeing, Oddfellows Hall, Sheringham
2022 Summer Exhibition Goosebeck Gallery, Burnham Market
2022 Open Exhibition, West Acre Gallery, West Acre
2022 Open Exhibition, Norfolk Creative Arts, Grimston
2021 IEA Annual Open Exhibition, The Gallery, Lees Yard, Holt, North Norfolk
2020 Open Exhibition, West Acre Gallery, West Acre
2018 Coastline, Greyfriars Art Space, Kings Lynn
2018 Open Exhibition, Norfolk Creative Arts, Grimston
2018 Vivacity Exhibition, Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery, Peterborough
2012 Young Associates Exhibition, Sainsbury’s Centre for Visual Arts
2012 MA Degree Show, Norwich University College of the Arts
2011 Transitions, MA Fine Art first year student’s exhibition, NUCA Student
Gallery
2011 ‘Create for Cross Presents...Humanity’, St Gregory's Centre for the Arts, Norwich
2012 Interim, MA Fine Art show, NUCA Student Gallery
2012 Bishop’s Art Prize, Norwich Cathedral Hostry,
2010 A Journey through Drawing
AWARDS / ACCOLADES
2023 Shortlisted Women in Art Prize, London (Longlisted)
2022 Shortlisted The Sir John Hurt Art Prize, The Adrian Hill Gallery, Holt
2022 Finalist Holly Bush, Emerging Woman Painting Prize, Lauderdale House, Hampstead (Finalist)
2012 Axis MA star
2012 Bishop’s Art Prize, Norwich Cathedral Hostry, Shortlisted Artist,
Special Commendation