From Paris to Westchase: Peter Stilton Exhibit to Open at Library

For more than four decades, Peter Stilton has been painting, teaching and entertaining the masses with his artistic talents.

The New Tampa resident's vibrant paintings can be found in private and public collections throughout the U.S., and across the globe including Paris, Stockholm and Israel.

Now Stilton is bringing his work to the . The installment will remain in the library through the end of the year.

The gallery of his work will be unveiled at the library on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 2pm-4pm, 11211 Countryway Blvd. in Tampa.

The Westchase exhibit is being dedicated to the Stilton family friends and collectors Marjory Johnson, a former children's librarian, Sharon Brink, and Stilton's son Phillip's school Lee Academy for Gifted Education in  Tampa.

Patch recently caught up with Stilton. Here's what he told us:

Patch: When did your interest in painting begin?

Stilton: ...while still in diapers.

Patch: Do you remember your first painting?

Stilton: No, I actually do not remember my first painting. Both my parents were artists and teachers...and loved books!!

Patch: I read that your works are located in collections around the world, and that you've even had a one-man show at the Sorbonne in Paris. What would you say is your most proud professional moment to date?

Stilton: The first Paris exhibition in the fall of 1995 with the Chinese ambassador, authors, sculptors and collectors attending the vernissage  (opening reception).

Patch: Your painting subjects run the gamut; where do you draw your inspiration from?

Stilton: My inspiration is usually from literature, music and travel.

Patch: When you are not painting what do you like to do?

Stilton: Sleeping on the beach.

Patch: Who are your favorite artists?

Stilton: My favorite artists are Braque, Klee, Fragonard, and Rothko.

Patch: If you could say one thing to a young new artist trying to get their work noticed, what would it be?

Stilton: Always paint what you know intimately.

Patch: Favorite color?

Stilton: Blue

Patch: If you weren't an artist what would you be doing?

Stilton: Writing, especially poetry. Writing captures images more quickly than painting and in a more fluid form.