Laimdots Murnieks, Portrait, 1957, Charcoal on Paper

Portrait

1957, paper, charcoal, 36x31 cm

The focus of the portrait is a woman. Charcoal, with its rich and versatile qualities, has been utilized by the artist to capture the various nuances of the woman's features. The artwork's use of charcoal on paper allows for expressive shading and contrasts, resulting in a compelling and engaging representation of the subject.

Laimdots Murnieks has said: "I am a sunny artist. The sun and a woman are the center of the world. It is not for nothing that the sun always comes with me in my paintings - it is the basis of everything and symbolizes my wife - Zhanna. I think that a woman is what inspires the whole world to do good deeds. I want to express such an idea with my painting - that the good will always win, that the beautiful will always win the world. That's the main thing! Neither war nor tragedies ever impress people like that, but it is beauty that gives strength to continue working and living . I was born under the Star of Happiness - everything has been achieved. Both in art and in love."

Laimdots Murnieks (1922-2011) studied at Cesis and Jelgava teachers’ institutes (1938 – 44). He graduated from the Painting Department of the Latvian Art Academy (1953, diploma work “Winged helper”, under the guidance of V. Kozins).
He worked as a teacher in secondary schools of Valmiera and Priekuli, in agricultural technical school (1944 – 46), and in the company “Art” as a design artist (1953 – 82).
L. Murnieks takes part in exhibitions since 1953.
Solo exhibitions:
Riga – 1960, 1964, 1972 (together with I. and G. Krollis);
Liepaja – 1964;
Vilnius – 1968;
Moscow – 1968;
Rostock – 1974;
Tokyo – 1978 (together with M. Chagall).
Artist worked in different painting genres and techniques – monumental painting, easel painting; he painted landscapes, still life’s, portraits. He uses oil, pastel and tempera.

Awards:
1967 – Awarding with diploma Artists union of USSR by paintings at International exhibition “The Sport at Art”
1969 – Laureate of painting at Baltic Republications triennial
1979 - was rich of merits employee of art in Latvia Republic of Soviet Union
1969 – Award with medal
Laimdots Murnieks exhibitions of classical art gallery Antonia:
2022. 05. 26. memorial exhibition Laimdots Murnieks "Beautiful Age"
2012.10.02. - memorial exhibition “A bit of sunshine in a cold water..."
2010.03.16. - solo exhibition "Laimdots Murnieks - 88"
2008.11.22. - solo exhibition "Laimdots Mūrnieks"
2008.02.21. - solo exhibition "Cherchez la famme"
L. Murnieks works exhibited in several different classic art gallery "Antonia" organized thematic exhibitions.