Martin Machacek was born and raised in the Czech Republic in one of the world's most beautiful cities: Prague. Rich with architecture from many different historical periods, Prague is a never-ending source of inspiration for him.

Architecture has been Martin's main focus since 1993, after he graduated from his postsecondary studies at the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Following his graduation from a three-year program in Visual Communications, Martin spent several years working for architects doing hand renderings of their new buildings and projects. With his architectural renderings, he came to pride himself on precision and detail, and he developed a keen understanding of perspective. 

Martin's focus moved from drawing to painting in 2002, and with this shift came a new style that was more in line with his outlook on life. Today, Martin is at the forefront of the architectural etherealism movement in art. He relies on his architectural background as well as on his strong drawing skills to bring his paintings to life, as if to give them a sculptural or spiritual presence in a two dimensional form. The fluid, soft lines of his paintings mimic natural gestures and subtle movement, yet craftsmanship and attention to detail are never sacrificed in order to attain an organic texture. The buildings Martin portrays can still be recognized for what they are, but through his spirited paintings, they gain a fresh new type of energy, and they are often seen and appreciated in a different light by the people who pass by them every day. 

To achieve the desired feelings of joyfulness, flexibility, and abundance in his artwork, Martin integrates many important aspects of nature into his paintings-- such as color, form, light, shadows, and their respective effects on shape. Furthermore, he endeavours to incorporate many natural elements-- such as trees, shrubs, snow, and various times of day or seasons into his representations. Martin strongly believes that Nature is the greatest artist and that we have much to appreciate and learn from her. 

Martin's paintings express our ever-changing views of our surroundings. As well, much like nature, whose magnificence is accessible to everyone, his artwork raises awareness of the beauty of our own surroundings in a way that anyone can appreciate. Martin takes notice of the man-made world and the natural world we live in and tries to express the harmony in both worlds as one, where imperfections are accepted and are so often, the most beautiful and memorable parts of our existences.

Additional Information:

Martin Machacek's artwork has been featured in many venues and publications in Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Canmore, New York City, and Scottsdale, Arizona. He has received media exposure on the A-Channel’s “Big Breakfast” program and in several Black Press Publications, including the Oak Bay and Saanich Newspapers. His artwork has been discussed on the CKUA radio network in Alberta and was also featured in the 2009 'Vital Signs' report, released by the Victoria Foundation. Martin's rendition of the Johnson Street Bridge in Victoria was featured on the September 2010 cover of Focus Magazine and was awarded a juried prize, the People's Choice Award, and a 'Best in Show' nod during the LOOK Victoria 2011 Regional Arts Exhibition and Sale. He also received a juried award for his 'Craigdarroch Castle' painting in the LOOK 2012 Fine Arts Exhibition.

In addition to being held in numerous private collections throughout North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa, Martin's original artwork is also featured in some corporate collections such as Itziar Management, Vancity Savings Credit Union, Jones Emery Hargreaves Swan (law firm); NAI Commercial Victoria (real estate); Blue Fox Cafe; Lazy Loaf and Kettle; the Cookbook Co. Cooks; the Dobbin Group (architecture firm); Cadence Coffee; Bow Cycle; and various Medicine Shoppe franchises.

Martin Machacek