We have known for a long time that sports brings people together. No matter where you live, what you do for a living, how old you are ice hockey connects different people around the world. I invite you to read an interview with Czech painter – Lucie, who has so far created a gallery of unique 11 works on canvas depicting emotions. You can follow her work on social media, which I especially encourage you to do.
Write a few words of introduction about the person.
– I am a painter and biomedical engineer. Painting has been a part of my life since childhood, but I began to fully dedicate myself to it in 2023. My style focuses on dynamic sports portraits and action themes, and could be classified as a form of spontaneous realism. I aim to capture not only the technical aspects but also the emotions and personal stories in each painting. Each piece is my way of telling a story through colors and sharing my passion with others.
How did your adventure with painting begin? How long have you been involved in it?
– I’ve been painting since childhood. During my eight-year high school, I was captivated by art history and even tried to get into art restoration. However, fate led me elsewhere to study biomedical engineering, and painting took a backseat to school and work. A significant turning point came last spring when I was diagnosed with endometriosis. Since then, painting has become my escape, therapy, and a way to cope with emotions and challenges. Although it’s not my main job yet, I am painting more and believe it will become my main focus in the future.
Are there any other disciplines that you translate on the painting canvas?
– In addition to hockey, I am fascinated by human emotions and the stories people experience. That’s why I decided to focus on commissioned paintings. I paint portraits and action scenes that convey movement. In the future, I want to focus more on dynamic images and am planning a series of powerful animals. I would also like to shift the focus from commissions to more intuitive works.
Why did you choose Steelworkers in particular, since from what I’ve seen on social media you live and work in the nation’s capital?
– The Steelworkers intrigued me with their perseverance and team spirit. Their story resonated with me, so I decided to capture their energy on canvas. Additionally, my partner has been a longtime fan of the Steelworkers, which led me to them.
What technique do you use? Do you also have an art background?
– I primarily work with acrylic paints, which allow me to work quickly and spontaneously while experimenting with layers and colors. I apply colors with my hands, use palette knives, and liquid paints before using brushes to give the painting a more defined form. My style resembles spontaneous realism – I focus on capturing energy and emotions rather than realistic details and colors. Although I don’t have formal art education, I learn through practice, with each painting being a step toward further discovery. I have attended several creative painting workshops, various online courses, and am now considering a year-long master’s program at the Millan Art Institute.
Did you have the opportunity to meet directly with the players, members of the coaching staff, club authorities?
– Yes, the entire series of paintings titled „Dragon’s Strength” was exhibited at a sponsor event where I had the opportunity to meet not only the players and coaches but also the club owner. It was an incredible experience for me! Players like Kuba Jeřábek, Ondra Kacetl, and even Martin Růžička showed interest in commissioned paintings. The series was created in collaboration with the club, specifically with Adam Sušovský, and it was an unforgettable experience for me.
How much time do you need to prepare the painting?
– Depending on the complexity of the piece, each painting from the mentioned series takes about 30-40 hours of work. Each painting is different, so sometimes the process goes faster, while other times it requires more patience and time, but I always strive to make the result worthwhile.
Do you watch field hockey both league and national team level?
– Absolutely! I follow hockey both at the league and national team levels. Hockey fascinates me with its dynamism, and each game is a source of inspiration for my work. I must admit that this year’s World Championship title didn’t mean as much to me as winning the domestic Extraliga.
What/who inspires you?
– I am inspired by the energy of sports, action, and unforgettable moments they bring. The „Dragon’s Strength” series was a dream come true for me. I was able to capture everything that the Steelworkers represent and depict dragons in each painting, each carrying a unique message and reflecting something deeper. One of my biggest influences is Zuzana Freyja. Her workshops and work with deep imagination opened a path to inspiration hidden within me. Since last September, dragons – symbols of strength, courage, and determination – have been guiding me on my journey. The greatest inspiration for my future work is each audience reaction to my pieces.
What field hockey team do you support? Have you practiced field hockey at an amateur level?
– It probably won’t be surprising that I support HC Oceláři Třinec. Since 2022, we have friends in Třinec, so we often go to games and to Javorový, sometimes even out of season! I’ve never played hockey; running around the garden with a stick and a tennis ball doesn’t really count, does it?
At the beginning of September, there was a press conference where a gallery of 11 paintings appeared? Is this a set of works or do you plan to do an update?
– The gallery of 11 paintings is a closed series created on commission for the club. But art is alive and dynamic… we’ll see. I do plan to paint one more player in a similar style – the King of Radegast Index. However, this painting won’t be directly for the club. And, of course, based on this series, I have many new orders in a similar spirit. Thank you for them.
Which work was the most difficult/easiest to paint? Do you create based on your imagination or specific photos, film shots?
– The most challenging aspect was capturing moments full of emotion, where every detail plays a role. And those white edges on all the paintings – try keeping them clean during 40 hours of working with paints! (laughs) The easiest moments are when inspiration completely engulfs me and brush strokes flow naturally. Each painting had such moments, but also difficult parts. I work with both specific photos and footage from hockey as well as my own imagination. My goal is not to achieve complete realism but to capture the energy, emotions, and story behind each piece.
Below is a photo gallery of works from the “Dragon’s Strength” series, owned entirely by Club Oceláři Třinec. The photos are from an exhibition held during a september press conference at the Werk Arena.
