Petra McGrath (1972) is a painter and designer who lives alternately in Prague and Sydney. In her mature work and her interpretations there is an extraordinary but distinct harmonious balance of will to purposeful intent, along with sovereign spontaneity and improvisation. This symbiosis is a key character in the individuality and energy of her paintings.
Petra's sources of personal inspiration are mainly her attention and visual sensitivity to the environment, light, colors, distinctions and common denominators of both cultures of Europe and Australia. They are also a testament to the artist's extraordinary receptiveness, which amplifies her healthy sovereignty of her work in the context of distinguishing between the two cultures, nature and their color range. The vibrating color scheme is, above all, a source of timeless joy, energy and free personal interpretations in the abstract part of her work.
Petra's paintings are a unique example of sovereign harmonic combinations of figurative elements within color abstractions with hints of spatial perception and original compositions. These figurative images are an example of the healthy symbolism of human existence, again colorfully and compositionally confidently and purposefully mastered in understanding and joy, often playful to humorous personal interaction. Even the names of the paintings – Synchronicity, Chance, I am, Fusion, Good Year, Reborn testify to the distinctive and perfectly communicated imagination of the author.
Ing.arch. Otto Dvořák AIA, collector
The spontaneity and genuineness of Petra’s paintings made a mighty impression on me at first glance. Using an expressive variety of colours, the authoress succeeds in evoking just the right atmosphere of life on the two continents where different culture and lifestyle meet the diverse colourfulness of nature. The sincere cheerfulness of her paintings, combined with a surprising composition, encourages the observer’s imagination, radiating optimism in the process. Petra’s artwork infects people with joy, playfulness and relish for travelling and a positive outlook on life.
Bronislava Paučková, Gallery Owner CollectorPetra's work is unique in its deep understanding of the human deal, environment, joy, nature and its personal artistic, visual interpretation of the present in harmony and understanding with its hidden and shared references to certain traditions of our cultures, which are a valuable example of the artistic and intellectual intelligence of the author in her work.
Ing.arch. Otto Dvořák CollectorI have been in contact with Petra’s work for several years now. First, her work showed strongly captivating motives, which I like to call Australian reminiscence. Sailboats, sceneries, stylized figurative artwork. As there were different seasons for Picasso, Petra gradually - but only just - changes her themes. However, one theme will never leave her artwork: the delightful tuning of predominant pastels, conjuring up distinctively positive feelings and mood in her audience. Those are the feelings we wish to encounter these days with a growing intensity.
Jadran Šetlík Artistic PhotographerI have had the pleasure of meeting Petra McGrath over the past few years. We have been in constant touch with Petra’s new paintings. I love her vibrant colors and style. Her experience in Sydney, Australia has given her a different light and happiness that we don’t easily find. My clients are very drawn to the beauty of her pieces and her positive vibes.
Louise Beer PragArtworks GalleryPainter Petra McGrath could not have chosen a more fitting title for her next book, The Joy of Life / Radost ze Života. Our paths first crossed a couple of years ago, when I first noticed her artwork on the social networks. At that time I did not yet realise that we would meet in person just a couple of years later and that I would have the chance to exhibit her works in our design shop in Prague. That was in February 2022, on the opening night of an exhibition of her works, where I met her in person and began to comprehend her artistic style in harmony with her inner craving for positive energy. That opening night still remains in the memories of our clients and they keep returning, asking where those beautiful paintings that decorated our showroom have gone. When you hang a work of hers on the wall, you find that the colours and compositions have a constant and lasting influence on you. You can gaze at her pictures for days and months and they still hold so much more for you to discover. And when, all of a sudden, they are no longer hanging on the wall, you are left with a sense of emptiness. This emptiness was felt by our clients too and I am delighted that, thanks to Petra McGrath’s artwork, the interiors of Prague now have a bit more colour and lust for life. Thank you so much for this enrichment.
Bea Dušek Dušek DécorOur collaboration with Petra McGrath has been a true testament to her passion as well as talent. The hotel's lobby has gained a new ambiance, with many guests praising the enhanced atmosphere and noting the unique touch her joyful artworks bring to their overall experience. We're proud to support and showcase local artistry that complements our hotel and resonates so deeply with our visitors. Through our commitment to promote Czech art, Petra’s pop-up exhibition has provided our guests with a genuine sense of place and connection to the cultural spirit of Prague.
Martin Dell General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel PragueAround us there are individuals that imbue their dynamic into all that they do, whether they operate in the arts, sciences, technology, industry or any area of life. They create. They achieve. It is a high creative ability to do this, to add energy, persistence and continual creativity to the endeavours they engage upon and despite life’s obstacles. They continually create. Petra McGrath is such an individual in her chosen field as an Artist. She adds life to whatever she touches. Petra infuses an innate vibrancy and vitality into each artwork. Although it's subjective, it's tangible. You can feel it. Accompanied by her colourful imagination, she has an ability to transfer her spirit and unique sense of light into her creations, which from observation, creates actual visible joy in others. Able to tell her stories on canvas with a refined sense of communication, colour use and composition, together with her natural sense of place, culture, people, celebration of life & connection, showing up gloriously in works such as “Guardians” & Postcard.
Anna Curnuck SIBU Gallery Director & Curator‘So pleased with Petra's McGrath two solo exhibition at our Palm Beach Gallery. Beautifully curated and drawing a crowd , the paintings evoked thoughts of holidays and happiness with the colours bouncing off the walls. Petra is so effervescent , and her energy and love of life shows itself in her amazing, strong and bold artworks. Engaging with customers and followers of her work and her professionalism is a bonus to the gallery and we can’t wait to show more of her work during the year and her next solo in Palmy.
Vanessa Ashcroft ART GALLERY ON PALM BEACH