Peterson's works explore the varied journeys of life, detailing the experience of growing up and living in a world that is broken. His paintings address trauma and fear, and bring forth the loneliness and strength required to survive and thrive. Contrasting the untainted innocence of youth with a worn, ragged, and defiled world, his works encompass divergent themes of support versus restraint, bondage versus freedom, and tension versus slack, while communicating feelings of isolation, loneliness, and longing that are teamed with an optimistic sense of hope. His works have been shown around the globe, including in shows and exhibitions in Germany, California, New York, and Florida. Peterson was a finalist of the Hunting Art Prize on four separate occasions prior to winning the competition in 2015.