Alan Petersen was born on a farm in Nebraska in 1930. He was introduced to art at the age of eight when his aunt gave him construction paper and colored chalk.

He graduated from the school of architecture at the University of Nebraska in 1956 and located in Denver Colorado. He started his own architectural practice in 1962. His first project was the Feline House at the Denver zoo.

He took two weeks off in 1972 to attend a workshop under the direction of Milford Zorens and was named best professional artist. This was the catalyst for getting serious about art. He became a member of Foothills Art Center in Golden, Colorado where he won a number of awards and sold his paintings. he served on the board and later became president. The recognition he gained led to being asked to show his work in other galleries.