Spotlight on Alumni - Peter Kendall (Foundation student)

Peter Kendall is a foundation student at Peninsula Grammar, depicted in the photos below on Day 1, 1961, and during the official opening of the school in February 1961. Departing in 1965, he went on to become a renowned artist and now lives in Perth, Western Australia.

Hailing from an artistic family in Albury, New South Wales, Peter's own artistic talents were recognised early on. With the backing of Legacy, he attended Peninsula Grammar before furthering his studies at Frankston Technical College, the National Gallery School, and Swinburne College of Technology.

He was a finalist in the Blake Awards and secured numerous art accolades, notably the Australia Day Portraiture Award and the WA Book of the Year Premier’s Book Awards. Renowned as a children’s book illustrator and educator, he now derives great pleasure from exploring landscapes and wildflowers in his artistry. He has twice been a finalist in the Archibald Prize (in 2004 and 2010) and is revered as one of Australia's foremost portrait painters.

Peter's artistic prowess extends beyond portraiture, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of individuals and the physical world with a creative touch that evokes deep emotion in viewers. His incredible pieces reflect the dynamic and diverse nature of his artistry.

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OPGA asked Peter a few questions about his time at school and how Peninsula inspired his love for art.

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Favorite Teacher: Mr. Longley

Best/Memorable Moment from School: I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to share this on the public record. My time at Peninsula School was incredibly special to me, and I was always deeply proud of the institution. However, what truly stands out to me is the unique staff we had, particularly Mr. Longley.

One day, during a private tuition session, Mr. Longley changed my life. He noticed my penchant for drawing, which often distracted other students during lessons. Instead of reprimanding me, he had an ingenious idea. He suggested that I could incorporate my drawings into my studies.

Initially skeptical, I asked, "Can I draw in my school book?" To my surprise, he encouraged it, provided that my illustrations pertained to the subject matter we were studying. He even went through my history book, underlining key points for me to illustrate.

From that moment on, my approach to learning transformed. I no longer merely studied; I immersed myself in the material, seeking out main concepts and illustrating them fervently. What began as small drawings surrounded by text blossomed into intricate illustrations that filled entire pages. My textbooks resembled ancient manuscripts, adorned with vivid depictions of historical events and concepts.

This method spilled over into other subjects like geography, science, and literature. I became a student who eagerly burnt the midnight oil, passionately studying and illustrating every concept I encountered. To this day, I vividly remember all my history lessons from that time.

Mr. Longley's guidance not only ignited my passion for learning but also laid the foundation for my career as an artist. I learned to visually communicate complex ideas and concepts—a skill that has been instrumental in my artistic journey.

Career/Life Highlight or Memorable Experience: The pinnacle of my art career came at the Archibald Prize in 2004. My portrait of Peter Brock, the Australian racing car legend, was a finalist in the prestigious competition held at the Art Gallery of NSW.

What made this experience truly unforgettable was Peter Brock's reaction upon seeing the portrait for the first time. His emotional response was profound—he was visibly moved, his body trembling as he gazed at the painting. He expressed that it was one of the greatest experiences of his life, wishing his parents were alive to witness it.

In that moment, I realized that winning the Archibald Prize was secondary. The true victory was the profound impact my art had on Peter Brock. It was a validation of my passion and talent as an artist—a moment I will cherish forever.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

My advice would be 'don’t be so hard on yourself'.

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You can view more of Peter's Art here:

https://www.facebook.com/Pintemento

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You can also read a transcript of an interview with Peter from 2017, with the State Library of Western Australia. In this interview, Peter shares memories of his time at school and the influence of Mr Longley: Interview Transcript

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If any past students/peers would like to get in touch with Peter, please contact opga@pgs.vic.edu.au and we would be happy to make the connection!

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Thank you Peter for sharing your story with us!