Petra Durcau

About

I am a 27-year-old artist from Vienna, Austria. I first turned to painting as a way to decompress during difficult times.

With a brush in hand, I could step into my own world — humming quietly as I painted, fully absorbed in the flow of creation.

What began as an escape turned into a practice that grounds me, as each unknown in the process keeps me curious and reminds me that painting is about discovery rather than repetition.

Over the past four years, I have made painting a steady part of my life, exploring many different materials and techniques — from watercolor, charcoal, acrylics, alcohol inks, resin, and wood. Eventually, I found my home in oils.

In my practice, I am drawn to both the challenge of realism and the freedom of more atmospheric, poetic landscapes.

They may seem like opposites — one requires careful refinement, the other embraces openness and unpredictability — yet for me, both processes feel similar.

Each demands patience, trust, and a willingness to see where the painting wants to go. I enjoy moving between these approaches, letting each one teach me something new.

Just as no painting of mine is ever “perfect,” my frames carry the same freedom. They are 100% handmade, with materials carefully sourced locally here in Austria.

Since sharing my work online, I’ve been grateful to connect directly with people who see themselves in my paintings. Each piece is a conversation between my inner world and the viewer’s experience, and I hope my art offers a moment of reflection, calm, or connection to those who encounter it.