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I was born in Prague (Czech Republic), where I still live, in 1977 and started my career in painting at the age of 14. After 4 years of taking private art lessons I was accepted into the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, where I studied for my Master’s Degree in Fine Art, finally graduating in 2001.
My passion for tropical landscapes started when I was about 10 years old – apparently quite unusual for a young person living in a Central European landlocked country. I was, however, strongly inspired by the images of tropical beach scenes I came across and they immediately appealed to my imagination. This inspiration and passion never faded and urged me, and still urges me, to visit and relish such wonderful places as the Dominican Republic, Brazil, California and the Canary Islands.
Another closely connected source of inspiration for me is the endless movement, rhythm, energy, power and ineffable sensual effects of waves. I attempt to capture all of these dimensions in my paintings, hoping that the viewer will, at least, be able to taste, smell and feel the fresh salty water and air. The compositions and themes of my pictures simply ‘come’ to me: they grab my imagination; I can already envisage the completed painting. Working with striking brightly colored acrylics offers me the freedom to exploit my imagination and creativity and to indulge in a world of beauty, calm and surreal perfection.
I want my work to evoke feelings of joy, wonder, optimism and hope; my aim is to encourage the viewer to escape from the stresses and turmoils of modern day life and to enter into a new reality and a new sensual world – if only for just a few moments.
Jiri Ptacek
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