Born in Philadelphia, Peter Boyle became a nationally recognized cartoonist for his work with the Evening Bulletin, a Philadelphia newspaper. In 1950, he hosted his own television show called "Uncle Pete," for children where he drew cartoons of clowns and other circus personalities. Though known as a cartoonist, he pursued a career as a serious artist with success. Boyle worked skillfully in multiple mediums including, oil, watercolor, and pen and ink.

He attended the prestigious Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts where he won the Cresson Award and was a member of the Philadelphia Sketch Club from 1937 until his death in 1967. In 1949, he served as President.