Mr. Pelley is originally from Newfoundland and has been living in Quebec since 1969.   He is a former officer of both the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and the Royal 22e Régiment (Vandoos).   He has also worked as a senior manager in the Quebec government.  He holds a Bachelor's degree in Political science done in English (Memorial University) and a Master's degree in Public Administration done in French (École nationale d'adminstration publique, Quebec).

He has been painting since his arrival in Quebec City, having started with the help especially of Mr. Rolland Drouin, a well-known and prolific local artist in the 1970s.

Mr. Pelley is best known for his military art.  For example, at the invitation of the Voltigeurs de Québec, a famous regiment in Canadian history, he has done a solo exhibition at the famous "Manège Militaire" for a whole summer, right next to the National Assembly in downtown Quebec.  On a number of occasions, he was notably an invited artist at events of the Canadian Legion, including an exhibition at the Old Port in Montreal in collaboration with the McCord Museum.

Today a number of his paintings are displayed permanently in the Citadelle de Québec, including five in the Officers’ Mess.  Other of his paintings can be found in other military-related venues such as the Aviation Room of Québec's   Garrison Club, the headquarters of the Canadian Legion and in many private collections.  In 2014 he was asked to do a painting of the Commandant of the Citadelle on parade with the 600 troops of his battalion.  His last military-related exhibit was during the RCAF Aviation Ball at the Chateau Frontenac.

 More recently Mr Pelley has diversified his work towards a more varied clientele.  For example, a painting showing a Dash-8 disembarking passengers at Ancienne Lorette (Quebec Airport) was a main feature of the Boardroom of Air-Alliance. In the autumn of 2010, one of his paintings could be found at Rideau Hall, the Governor General's residence, this painting now being in the personal collection of Mme Michaëlle Jean.

In 2009 he was a finalist in both the International Contest of Miniature paintings (Galérie Louise Carrier) and the Quebec City annual art contest.  He is also well known for his support of charitable organizations, in particular the Family Centre of Base Valcartier to help veterans’ families. 

His series of Christmas cards started in the late 1990s are considered highly collectible.