I 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 me.

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

My focus moved from technical drawing to painting in 2002, and with this shift came a new style that was more in line with my outlook on life. Today, I am leading what I like to call the architectural etherealism movement in art. I rely on my architectural background as well as on my strong drawing skills to bring my paintings to life, as if to give them a sculptural presence in a two dimensional form. The fluid, soft lines of my 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 I portray can still be recognized for what they are, but through my 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 my artwork, I like to integrate many important aspects of nature into my paintings, such as color, form, light, shadows, and their respective effects on shape. Furthermore, I strive to incorporate many natural elements-- such as trees, shrubs, snow, and various times of day or seasons-- into my representations. I strongly believe that Nature is the greatest artist and that we have much to appreciate and learn from her. 

My paintings express our ever-changing views of our surroundings. As well, much like nature, whose magnificence is accessible to everyone, my artwork raises awareness of the beauty of our own surroundings in a way that anyone can appreciate. I take notice of the man-made world and the natural world we live in and try 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:

My artwork has been featured in many venues and publications in Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Canmore, New York City, and Scottsdale, Arizona. I have received media exposure on the A-Channel’s “Big Breakfast” program and in several Black Press Publications, including the Oak Bay and Saanich Newspapers. My 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. My 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. I have also received a juried award for my 'Craigdarroch Castle' painting in the LOOK 2012 Fine Arts Exhibition and have been runner-up for two 'M' Awards (presented by Monday Magazine) in 2013, including "Favourite Visual Artist" and "Best Art Show" for my 10-Year Retrospective Art Exhibition.

In addition to being held in numerous private collections throughout North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa, my original artwork is also featured in corporate collections such as the Canadian Forces, the RCMP Marine Unit Division, Cold Star Freight Systems Inc., Fergus & Bix Restaurant and Beer Market (Marda Loop), Vancity Savings Credit Union, Itziar Management, Jones Emery Hargreaves Swan (law firm); NAI Commercial Victoria (real estate); Glenlyon Norfolk School; Famoso Neopolitan Pizzeria; Wannawafel; Blue Fox Cafe; Lazy Loaf and Kettle; the Cookbook Co. Cooks; the Dobbin Group (architecture firm); Cadence Coffee; Bow Cycle; the medical offices of Dr. Steven Goodchild; and various Medicine Shoppe franchises.

--Martin Machacek

Download my artist bio as a PDF here.