Ondřej Dudák
landscape painter, where nature and human work speak together
I focus on realistic painting of architecture set in the landscape. I am interested in places where nature meets human traces – such as in an avenue. For me, an avenue is the perfect symbol: planted by humans, yet naturally connected to the landscape. It is a path that almost always leads somewhere – home, to a chapel, to a monument. It is not just a space. It is a relationship.
I paint this relationship between human creation and nature. Whether I am standing in an avenue, below a castle, by a pond, or on the outskirts of a city, I seek the harmony that arises when these two worlds connect. I let architecture take root and nature grow around it.
I work mainly with oil, but also with acrylic and watercolor. Painting is a way for me to be present in a place even after I return home and to continue speaking through the painting.
I have actually been to the places I capture. I was captivated by their atmosphere, story, light, and traces of time. I want my paintings to appeal with their welcoming atmosphere, calmness, and depth both visual and inner. Because there is always more to every landscape than meets the eye.
My journey began in 2008 at the National Gallery in London. It was there that I first saw John Constable’s paintings – The Hay Wain and Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows – as well as J. M. W. Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire, which appealed to me with its powerful story and symbolism. The paintings made such an impression on me that I bought a book about Constable on the spot – with a quiet commitment to not only learn to paint, but also to learn English so that I could read it one day.
I began studying at the Studio KMM realistic painting studio in Prague, then at Leeds College of Art in northern England, and I learned from several Czech and foreign painters. I finally learned English in England – and I actually read the book.
Since 2020, I have been exhibiting regularly and teaching art courses – since 2024 in my own studio in Kladno. And since 2025, I have also been offering limited edition art prints of my paintings.
Current and upcoming exhibitions
2025 “Moments on the Road” in the waiting room of the Saskova Clinic, Saskova Street 1481, Kladno, from August 4, 2025
2026 Photographer Luboš Zdvihal, Mlýnská Street in Kladno, January 21 to the end of April 2026
2026 Paths Through the Alleys, Kladno Castle, Zádušní 1, Kladno – opening February 26, 2026, until April 6, 2026
2026 Kladno Courtyards – planned for June 6-7
2026 Open Artfest Prague – Letňany Exhibition Center – planned for November 28-29
Where I have exhibited
2025 Open ART Fest, Letňany Exhibition Center, September 27-28
2025 Kladno Courtyards, U Kulaté báby, Kolmistrova Street, June 7-8
2024-25 Photographer Luboš Zdvihal, Mlýnská Street, December 15, 2024 – April 1, 2025
2024 Kladenské dvorky, U Kulaté báby, Kolmistrova Street, June 8-9
2024 Photographer Luboš Zdvihal, Mlýnská Street, Kladno, January 19-April 12
2023 Kladenské dvorky, U Kulaté báby, Kolmistrova Street, June 10-11
2022 Kladenské dvorky, U Kulaté báby, Kolmistrova Street, June 11-12
2021 Kladenské dvorky, U Kulaté báby, Kolmistrova Street, June 12-13
2020 Kladenské dvorky, U Kulaté báby, Kolmistrova Street, June 13-14