The Peter Lik Phenomenon
Learn how Peter Lik’s photography prints are produced for his galleries, and how to acquire equally compelling fine art photography without the gallery markup.
Peter Lik is an Australian landscape photographer widely recognized for his large-format, highly saturated landscape prints displayed in dedicated galleries across the United States.
In places like Las Vegas, New York, and other high-traffic locations, his work is often experienced by visitors encountering large-scale acrylic photography for the first time. For many people, this becomes their introduction not just to his work, but to the medium itself.
I’m also a landscape photographer, and I’m often found by people searching for artists similar to Peter Lik or for what is commonly referred to as the “Peter Lik style” of artwork.
What most people are responding to here isn’t a specific style, but the way the photograph is produced and presented.
Acrylic Face Mount Printing Explained
A production method known as acrylic face mounting is often referred to as ‘Peter Lik style prints’ by those unfamiliar with the printing process. While the term has become widely used in popular search language, this technique is in fact common across fine art photography today.
This technique was developed in the late 1960s by Swiss chemist Heinz Sovilla-Brulhart, who later refined and patented the process in the early 1970s.
In simple terms, a photographic print is first produced on archival-quality paper, then permanently bonded to a sheet of optically clear acrylic, and finished with a rigid backing for stability and protection. While the construction is straightforward in concept, the visual result is far more impactful in practice.
When viewed under proper lighting, acrylic prints exhibit a 'backlit' appearance, offering exceptional clarity, saturation, and three-dimensional depth. In large sizes, they become immersive statement pieces that significantly change how a photograph is experienced in a space.
Because there are many different photo papers and grades of acrylic available, every face mount print is not created equal, although the 'backlit' effect is usually very similar.
The premium acrylic face-mounts that I offer my customers are called Lumachrome® TruLife® prints. They are regarded as the highest-quality medium available today, achieving an astounding 1,200 dpi, which is four times the resolution of standard acrylic prints.
Why People Associate This Style With Peter Lik
This raises a natural question: why has this printing style become so closely associated with Peter Lik?
The answer is largely exposure and visibility.
Rather than relying on traditional galleries, Peter Lik has built his presence through a network of branded locations in major tourist markets. This approach has given his work consistent visibility in environments designed to showcase large-format prints at their full scale and impact.
Over time, repeated exposure to this format—large-scale, glossy, highly saturated prints under gallery lighting—has led many viewers to associate the medium itself with his name.
In reality, the acrylic presentation method is widely used by fine art photographers around the world.
Peter Lik The Photographer
Peter Lik first visited the United States in 1984 and was introduced to large-format film photography while exploring Alaska. He later returned to Australia and worked for the Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation, while refining the panoramic style that would later define much of his work.
He primarily uses large-format systems including Linhof 617 Technorama cameras, Fuji film, and modern digital medium-format equipment.
In 1989, he returned to the United States and travelled extensively across all 50 states photographing landscapes, later compiling many of these works into his book Spirit of America (2003).
Iconic Works
Below are some of his most widely recognized photographs:
- “Tree of Life” – Japanese maple from the Portland Japanese Garden
- “First Flight” – aircraft hangar composition
- “One” – abstract river reflection (reported private sale: $1M, 2010)
- “Inner Peace” – Smithsonian exhibited work (2012 Windland Smith Rice Award)
- “Ghost” – Antelope Canyon light beam, award-winning image
- “Phantom” – monochrome reinterpretation of Ghost, limited private sale
These works are frequently referenced in discussions around contemporary landscape photography presentation and large-format print culture.
Peter Lik Galleries
Peter Lik currently operates ten gallery locations across the United States.
- Lik Fine Art Aspen, Colorado
- Lik Fine Art Forum, Las Vegas
- Lik Fine Art Hawaii, Honolulu
- Lik Fine Art Key West, Florida
- Lik Fine Art La Jolla, California
- Lik Fine Art Mandalay, Las Vegas
- Lik Fine Art Miami, Florida
- Lik Fine Art New York City
- Lik Fine Art Park City, Utah
- Lik Fine Art Venetian, Las Vegas
For many people, seeing large-format acrylic prints in person is a unique experience. The scale and clarity tend to leave a lasting impression, often sparking the search for similar work or other photographers working in this medium.
Why Acrylic Prints Look So Good
Acrylic prints are known for their interaction with light.
The image gains dimensional depth as light passes through and reflects within the acrylic layer. This enhances contrast, colour separation, and luminosity without altering the original photograph.
At larger scales, this effect becomes especially noticeable, which is why acrylic is often used for statement pieces in both residential and commercial interiors.
Final Perspective
I offer museum-quality acrylic face mount prints, produced to the same exacting standards you would expect to see in a high-end gallery, along with a full range of refined framing options.
Because I work independently rather than through a traditional gallery model, I’m able to focus on craftsmanship, material quality, and direct relationships with collectors—while also offering these pieces at a more accessible price point.
This approach allows for greater flexibility in sizing and presentation without compromising on archival standards or overall finish. You can explore available materials and finishes across my full range of print styles.
People collect photographic art for many different reasons—whether it’s the subject, the atmosphere it creates, or the way it transforms a space. In the end, the most important factor is choosing a piece that resonates with you and is made to last.
A well-crafted print stands on its own, not because of a name on the wall, but because of the experience it brings into the room.
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Dean McLeod Photography Timeless Fine Art stands independently and declares no affiliation, sponsorship or partnership with any registered trademarks. Any product names, logos, brands or other trademarks featured or referred to within the Dean McLeod Photography website and associated social media forums are the property of their respective trademark holders.
