Lighten grain Painting

Goran Petrac was born in Ludbreg in 1961. He graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb under professor Vasilije Jordan in 1985 For exemplary studies he was awarded the Academy of Fine Arts. That same year Petrac participated in the first joint exhibition of graduates, thus starting his professional life. He held his first solo exhibition in 1988 at the Gallery Koprivnica, in which the coloristic structure and colors are converted figural composition in a poetic vision of the world. In Petrac's paintings we see several thematic cycles in design and content, as well as problems which he systematically resolves, giving them richness and persuasiveness. With the first cycle of paintings "Covers", between 1987-­1990, Petrac is clearly defined within Croatian modern art as continuing orinickog painting, presenting its high level of painting skills in the figures, covers and metaphysical space of his painting. In 1990 the painting cycle "Pools" in tempera and gouache were shown in Gallery “Dubrava” in Zagreb. The spaces in the pictures were metaphysical, reduced figures, but with clear proportions. In 1992, he painted a series, which investigated Jeri and ornamental old Croatian heritage as an influence on the theme and structure of thepictures. The cycle called, "The characters of wattle" were shown in many of the important galleries in Croatia. The cycle of paintings, "The landscape and the country" were created in 1997. It he expresses the refined specific characteristics of the landscape and their morphology, as well as sensitivity to the metaphysical system in which the images were taken. In 1995 and 1996 Petrac does a large painting project mosaic Stations of the Cross and shrines of the Precious Blood of Jesus in Ludbreg. Mosaics cover the large painted surface of the Stations of the Cross, set out in the confessionals in the broad area of the shrine in front of the chapel with the imposing mosaic of Christ's Resurrection. In this work, Petrac confirms his artistic maturity, which alternates the dramatic and lyrical intonation and contemporary sacred paintings in Croatia. Petrac’s religious works focus for the most part on the theme of the Calvary. He is interested in other Christian iconography, too, such as the Last Supper, Resurrection and the Four Riders of the Apocalypse, painted as separate easel paintings. The cadence of the drama showing the Fourteen Stations of the Cross is recurring theme.