Artwork

Berzina Maija

Rundale fountain

Sunset by the Dunava

Maija Berzina (1949)

“I get inspiration from the nature. I need the presence of the nature, at least behind the window”, says Maija Berzina. “ This is the reason why I take part in different plenaries in Latvia and Lithuania. Earlier I drew and sketched in the open air, I collected all my copies. Then I have understood – my interest in these motives has disappeared. As I put all my strength in the sketch, the real work was only a copy. Therefore I work in alla prima now – I start to paint and finish it in open air. The atmosphere can be lost working in a workshop. But it is the most important for me. I can change some elements and drawing but the atmosphere remains – it is a definite moment, the sun heat. I prefer cheery and light colours , the sun and the summer. I do not put my problems in the paintings. When I paint lightly, I try to forget my problems. Late autumn and winter months are the most difficult for me. The dark depresses me. Then I spend my time indoors and sketches”.

Maija Berzina was born in 1949. She studied at Janis Rozentals Art school and pedagogy at Art Academy. The painter is a member of the Union of Latvian Artists as well as an association of regional artists in Daugavpils.

Personal exhibitions: Daugavpils (2005, 1999, 1989, 1988, 1983, 1982), Riga (1994, 1900, 1982), Salaspils (1999, 1982), Sigulda (1982), Panevezys (Lithuania, 1986).

Group exhibitions: Daugavpils (1999, 1998, 1997, 1989), Riga ( 1999, 1998, 1987, 1994, 1989, 1976, 1973), Rezekne (1998), Salaspils (1996), Panevezys (Lithuania, 1987), Ribnic-Damgarten (Germany, 1999), Paris (France,1991, 1992), Toronto (Canada, 1991, 1992).