Peter de Sève

Famous for his covers for The New Yorker and the creation of cult characters such as Scrat from Ice Age, Peter de Sève has developed a whimsical watercolor style. His crisp and economical linework captures movement and expression in just a few curves, before being enriched by a light wash that allows the paper to breathe. This technique, typical of the American editorial cartoon tradition, allows him to imbue each of his characters with an instantly recognizable personality.

To preserve your works on paper, we recommend that you never expose them to direct light, as UV rays can damage the mediums used. Paintings made with pastel or charcoal require special care to avoid rubbing. Works containing watercolor are particularly sensitive to light, unlike gouache and acrylic.
We advise you to display them away from windows, and to use frames made from pH-neutral conservation materials and “Museum” glass with anti-UV and anti-reflective treatment. If you prefer to keep your works unframed, we recommend storing them flat, in drawing cartons, with sheets of pH-neutral permanent paper in between. Keep them away from light and humidity.

Peter de Sève graduated from the Parsons School of Design. Passionate about comics and fantasy illustration from childhood, he has since become one of the most recognized names in contemporary American illustration, largely thanks to his numerous covers for The New Yorker. As a renowned character designer, he has shaped characters for animated films that have since achieved cult status: A Bug’s Life and Finding Nemo at Pixar, Robots, and, most notably, Scrat the squirrel and the entire bestiary of the Ice Age saga. He also designed the rabbit E.B. in the film Hop and the characters in Arthur Christmas. His career has earned him numerous accolades: the prestigious Hamilton King Award from the Society of Illustrators in 2002, the National Cartoonists Society Magazine Illustration Award in 2000, an Emmy Award for a segment on Sesame Street, and a nomination for an Annie Award. His collection A Sketchy Past, which brings together watercolors and sketches, showcases the full depth of his artistic world. Complete biography.