Janis Zingitis, a contemporary Latvian painter, is known for his profound exploration of realism as the ultimate abstraction. Born with an innate curiosity for capturing the essence of existence, Zingitis believes that the human perception encompasses only a fraction of reality. Thus, he perceives realistic representation as a gateway to unveiling the unseen layers of the world's soul, a notion he fervently transmits through his artistic compositions.
Zingitis's artistic journey spans across various mediums, including watercolors, pastels, acrylics, and collage, each serving as a unique conduit for his creative expression. However, his current artistic endeavor revolves around the rekindling of his passion for oil painting, a medium he finds particularly conducive to his artistic vision.
Education played a pivotal role in shaping Zingitis's artistic trajectory. He graduated from the esteemed Janis Rozentals Art School in 1992, laying the foundation for his artistic prowess. Subsequently, he pursued higher education at the Latvian Academy of Art, specializing in the Department of Painting, where he honed his skills and refined his artistic philosophy, graduating in 1998.
Zingitis's quest for artistic enrichment extended beyond the borders of his homeland, as he embarked on a transformative academic journey at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, Maine, USA, from 1994 to 1995. This international exposure not only broadened his artistic horizons but also enriched his cultural perspective, influencing his artistic discourse.
Throughout his illustrious career, Zingitis has worn many hats, including that of a translator, art teacher, and headmaster of an art school, embodying his multifaceted approach to creativity and education. However, painting has remained the cornerstone of his identity, with Zingitis devoting himself to the craft since 1993.
Zingitis's artistic endeavors have garnered widespread acclaim, as evidenced by his participation in numerous exhibitions across Latvia, USA, Austria, Belgium, Norway, and Poland. His evocative works have found a permanent place in private collections around the globe, spanning across Latvia, USA, Austria, Belgium, France, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and beyond.
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Certification 2020 Pending certification
Ogre, Ogres pilsēta, Ogres novads, Latvija
Landscape painting masterclass for whoever is interested in learning something about painting landscapes. For students with or without previous painting experience. Technique - acrylic or watercolour.
Quote from the artist:
“My paintings are about happiness. One might ask, what is happiness? Everyone has a different idea of it, but, to all of us, it is a moment, a glimpse, or a feeling. To me, happiness is the possibility to paint. In the process of painting, I find peace, so needed in the world today. When a year comes close to the end, people often think about the events that took place that year. I always remember the moments when I was painting. These moments have been the happiest times of my year. My special Season. I hope that the viewers looking at my paintings will become a little happier. I wish all of us to be happy, without exception. From all of my heart.”
Janis Zingitis Artist Statement
The World has Soul. Soul is present in all things, dead and living. Soul is present in every aspect of life (and death). Sometimes people deny existence of Soul; this denial is also an aspect of Soul.
People feel Soul’s presence because soul manifests itself. I feel Soul in politics, business, sports, science, travel, on the street, at home, in nature, everywhere. I feel Soul in arts. Arts are a way through which Soul expresses Itself, becomes perceptible.
Artist is an instrument in the Soul’s hands. Soul uses the artist as a tool to render Itself. Soul participates in creation of the artwork. This applies to all forms of art: music, dance, theater, cinema, poetry, you name it. Painting is no different.
In painting, Soul manifests itself. Painting is a window that allows people to see Soul. When making a painting, painter uses the means of artistic expression, such as composition, colors, lines, shapes, brushstrokes etc. But the overall feeling in the painting comes from somewhere else, from somewhere beyond the control of the painter. I believe it comes from Soul.
I have undergone a rigorous and lengthy art training under the Soviet art education system. In my art I am applying the skills I learned in school. Some skills I have learned myself, in my independent career as a painter. Some skills I have borrowed from fellow artists and art students. I am using them in the painting process. Sometimes these skills help; sometimes they get in the way. I consider my professional skills tools. The important thing is the force that gives me inspiration to paint, drives me forward. I hope this force comes from Soul.
