Peter Jay studied painting and drawing, first at Beckenham and then at St. Martin's Schools of Art. After a short spell in advertising and a rather longer period in textiles, he moved to the country to paint full time. Based near the Sussex coast, he explored and painted the wilder areas of the surrounding countryside, with a particular interest in the wild flowers. Beach scenes with endless sands or rock pools have been a recent source of inspiration.In 2007 he moved to Somerset and is now inspired by the countryside there. For his seaside fix he has discovered the nearby 'Jurassic' coastline with its plentiful fossils.He exhibits mainly in the South of England, and he has exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition on a number of occasions.