From February 1 to February 28, artist Marta Gotliba's solo exhibition “COMPANIONS” can be viewed at Dobele Crafts House.
The exhibition features illustrations and paintings of various birds and animals found in Latvia. The illustrations are created using colored pencils in a multi-layer technique in a realistic style, while the paintings are crafted using oil techniques, based on classical painting principles.
The illustrations in the exhibition have special, master-crafted frames made from reclaimed wood, giving them a second chance to shine. Each frame is carefully matched with a bird to achieve tonal and character harmony.
M. Gotliba graduated from Riga Design and Art High School. Her interest in birds began about eight years ago, initially using colored pencil techniques, and later – painting with oil colors. M. Gotliba's style in bird illustrations balances between scientific illustration and realism, a technique she has mastered through self-study. Meanwhile, she continues to refine her oil painting skills in private lessons with some of Latvia's best artists.
Bird watching in nature is the main inspiration for M. Gotliba's art, and depicting them on paper or canvas is almost a therapeutic necessity for the artist.
