Artist David Peterson (right) joins Midas Auto Services owner Kurt Swanson on Fair Oaks Boulevard. Swanson’s shop is one of many Carmichael businesses to display Peterson’s paintings.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Who says art and business don’t mix? Not award-winning watercolorist David Peterson, whose streetscapes adorn offices and stores throughout Sacramento.

The artist delights in busy details of local neighborhoods. A fire hydrant contributes as much charm as trees or rolling hills.

“I’ve always loved to include telephone poles and traffic lights and people scuttling in and out of stores,” Peterson said.

Peterson has found all the above for commissions and exhibitions that reflect his fondness for everyday aspects. Even a humble auto shop is worthy of a portrait.

“I grew up in Carmichael and I’ve been driving past the Midas shop for years,” said the 80-year-old. “I love its bright colors and the street sign that gives us all a laugh. Businesses like that are part of our lives and to me, they’re interesting. They’re full of energy.”

In summer, Peterson set up his easel on Fair Oaks Boulevard to capture the Landis intersection panorama, spotlighting the Midas marquee. “FROG PARKING ONLY – ALL OTHERS WILL BE TOAD” became a watercolor punchline.

After winning a Sacramento Fine Arts Center award, the painting ended up on Facebook. Midas Auto Repair shop owner Kurt Swanson was scrolling local timelines when he saw it and immediately called the artist to make a deal.

“I don’t paint to sell,” Peterson said. “I paint to please myself and to exhibit.  I get mixed feelings about parting with my work. I grow fond of my paintings. But when someone wants to buy one, I’m glad to share the joy.”

David Peterson’s lightning portrait of musicians at play in Carmichael Park was bought straight off the easel by the bandleader.

Kurt Swanson also commissioned a study of his West Sacramento dealership.

“Auto shops can look dull,” the businessman said. “I like David’s bright colors and how he brings a subject to life. It’s great that he incorporated a ’56 Ford, it belongs to one of my customers, in his Carmichael Midas painting.”

Vietnam War veteran Peterson also likes patriotic and civic events and will include an American flag in his compositions at the drop of a bandana. Abstract figures that animate his compositions are sometimes recognizable. With paint still wet on Peterson’s interpretation of musicians at Founders Day in 2017, bandleader John Skinner bought the work off the easel.

“I’m happy businesspeople seem to like my work,” Peterson said. “I’m honored two of my watercolors are in Rancho Cordova City Hall. Roseville Acura has hung my art; there’s one in Rey Azteca restaurant (Camichael) and in Eskaton Senior Living. Dr. Gabrielle Rasi has several in her dental surgery office.

“You won’t find me painting a big corporate store. I like mom-and-pop businesses. Like the people who run them, they have character,” Peterson said. “If there’s a passing car, a street sign or a traffic light, I’ll include it. I’ve even moved a fire hydrant into a composition. These objects are part of what makes a neighborhood tick.”

Contact Peterson by email at www.aquacolorist.com for more information.