BIRUTA MAGONE

Vita brevis ars longa.

My artistic studies and creative work started in Latvia, Europe. I studied painting and drawing at the Academy of Arts in Latvia, was a member of the Artists Association in Latvia and participated in group art shows since 1977. I have now lived in San Francisco for over 16 years and continue to grow and improve my skill and craft.

      Recently I have been using oil paints in all my work, which is my favorite media in painting. I have enjoyed the employment of the fragile material such as pastel and delightful egg tempera. I have spent many years concentrating on the figural composition and portrait painting. I believe that the highest miracle of creation is the human being, the complexities of whom capture my imagination and awaken my creativity. I have been extensively studying Renaissance art. In particular, I am fascinated with the Northern Renaissance artists, such as, Jan van Eyck, Albrecht Durer and Rogier van der Weyden. My studies are not limited to the works of the masters, and are deeply involved with their philosophy. I truly believe that we can make a spiritual connection with the artists from the past. They have left us the richness of art, impossible to grasp in one lifetime. In the dark of winter, I do drawings in ink, pencil and charcoal.

      My other passion is the theater. I have been working for a theater in San Francisco, designing stage sets, posters and work on lighting and sound.

      My last One-artist shows were in San Francisco 2002, 2004. In 2005 I participated in a group show in Seattle. I work in my studio in Noe Valley, located in the heart of San Francisco. There is plenty of light, and a beautiful ocean bay view, which truly illuminates how precious life can be.