Dzemma Skulme, Folk Girl, Watercolor on Paper, 1970s

Folk girl. Paper, watercolor, 110x76 cm Dzemma Skulme worked in oil, acrylic and watercolors. She developed the theme of the caryatid, wherein she endeavored to reveal the ethical and spiritual strength of a woman. She also turned to a rifleman theme, Latvian ethnography and the principles of folk art. In her paintings of the second half of 1960s her worldview became more dramatic and she has raised the expressiveness of her work by using large brush or even palette knife for color application. In the middle of 1950s she also became recognized for her book and magazine illustrations. During 1960s artist turns to author technique - combination of acrylic and oil color thus creating interesting textures. Her painting during this time has become more conceptual. She has worked as assistant decorator in Daile Theatre and Latvia Puppet Theatre (1945-1947).[5] The Latvian art historian Laima Slava is accentuating the line as the discovery of 1960s in Dzemma Skulme's creative work: “At first it is smooth and constructive and defines the shape of a character, then it becomes lighter and more transparent.”