Peter Diemond Bio

Making art has literally been a lifelong passion for Peter Diemond. He started painting when he was seven and he turns 77 this year!  Born in Peterborough, New Hampshire, in 1947, Peter was raised in East Hartford, Connecticut and studied painting, drawing, sculpture, design, and art history for a time at the famous Hartford Art School. He left before graduation because, as he said, “I just needed to paint!” 

From that moment on, Peter proved his commitment. For five decades thereafter he found a way to make a painting or drawing nearly every single day. Every afternoon, when his day job as a carpenter and fine woodworker was done, Peter would venture out to catch a moment to put paintbrush to canvas, even for 15 minutes. Watercolor has been his preferred medium, because as he points out, it’s fast, allowing him to paint right from his car on cold winter afternoons!

Peter’s home and primary artistic inspiration for the last 45 years have been his beloved Cape Rosier and Brooksville. Peter moved to Maine with his wife, Jeanne, in 1980. His depictions of Cape Rosier beaches, the blueberry fields around their house, iconic local barns and farmhouses, and classic Brooksville landmarks have been featured in multiple art shows over the years, including at the Grand Auditorium in Ellsworth, smaller pick-up shows, and community shows with other Brooksville artists at David’s Folly. 

Peter hasn’t had the heart to paint since his wife, Jeanne, was moved to a memory-care nursing home, three years ago.  She was his devoted partner in life and greatest supporter. In constant encouragement of his work, Jeanne created a greeting card company to turn his pieces into cards and calendars to share with friends and family and as an added source of family income.  

As his biggest fan, Jeanne would surely be celebrating Pete’s decision to accept Plum Razi’s and the Brooksville library’s invitation to share his work with the community this one last time. The show includes many pieces Peter has never shown before.