ABOUT THE ARTIST

A journey shaped by art, depth and presence

Petra Rader is an Austrian artist whose work explores the human figure through abstraction, color and emotional depth. Her paintings are rooted in lived experience, artistic sensitivity and a deep interest in inner states such as stillness, freedom and transformation. 

Her artworks are held in private collections in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States. She lives and works in Upper Austria.

Short biography

She is an Austrian painter whose work explores themes of water, movement and emotional space. In her predominantly monochrome blue compositions, she investigates states of immersion, weightlessness and inner transformation. Her paintings evoke moments of stillness and introspection, where figures dissolve into fluid environments and the boundaries between body and space begin to blur.
Petra Rader studied at the Leonardo Art Academy in Mattsee near Salzburg in the master class of Professor Hannes Baier. Her work has been recognized internationally, including being named Finalist of the Singulart Art Awards 2025 in both the categories Artist of the Year and International Women’s Day Award, selected from more than 2,900 and 1,500 applicants respectively.

Petra Rader painting at her studio table with brush and canvas

Education and artistic career

2017: Successful graduation from the Leonardo Art Academy in Mattsee, Salzburg in the master class of Prof. Hannes Baier

EDUCATION
2013–2017: Leonardo Art Academy, Mattsee (near Salzburg), master class of Prof. Hannes Baier
2012: Art courses in drawing and painting with Renate Moran, Linz

AWARDS / RECOGNITION
2025: Finalist, Singulart Prize – Artist of the Year
2025: Finalist, Singulart Art Award – International Women’s Day, selected from over 1,500 applications
2024: Curator’s Choice Award, Art Fair Potentials OÖ, Gmunden, Austria

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2025: Painting workshop for adults with disabilities, Caritas, Atelier Andorf
2024: Painting workshop for adults with disabilities, Caritas, Atelier Andorf
2023: Head of the drawing and painting workshop ´Samstagsakademie´, Medienkulturhaus Wels
2023: Painting Workshop for adults with disabilities, Lebenshilfe, at Haus der Erinnerung, St. Georgen an der Gusen


EARLIER CAREER
2006: Relocation to Upper Austria
2003–2006: Personal sales assistant, international industrial company, Salzburg
2000: Birth of her son
1986–2000: Personal management assistant, international industrial company, Salzburg

EDUCATION (EARLIER)
1984–1986: Business School, qualification as foreign trade clerk
1980–1984: Upper secondary school, high school diploma
1974–1980: Secondary school, Lamprechtshausen
1970–1974: Elementary school, Michaelbeuern