[2] In the autumn of 1827, Balke served as an apprentice to engraver and painter Heinrich August Grosch (1763–1843).

Balke signed a two-year contract as an apprentice to the Danish decorator and artist Jens Funch.

From autumn 1829 to spring 1833, he was a pupil of Carl Johan Fahlcrantz at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm.

[3] Besides the 17 paintings in the National Museum in Oslo, Peder Balke is also represented at several major art collections in Norway and Sweden.

He was engaged in social questions and organized the construction of Balkeby, a new part of Oslo, with improved living conditions for workers.

Balkeby provided an opportunity for a population to have their own home within a reasonable distance from the city, especially after the horse trams came in 1875.

Balke had set up strict rules for construction, including the planning of wide streets to prevent the spreading of fire.