Song of Spring

2020, acrylic on canvas, 50x60 cm /// Mary Zhang (1967) is a Chinese architect, urban planner, and artist. She has lived in Riga for several years, organising numerous solo exhibitions and participating in various art festivals. Primarily working in illustration, she specialises in fast-drawing techniques and sketching. Her preferred mediums include ink, watercolour, and oil paints. Her paintings and drawings predominantly feature urban motifs, landscapes, and figurative compositions. Her artistic style is characterised by structured composition and meticulous attention to form and detail. The specific painting belongs to her Riga Series and is created in a realistic manner, capturing a distinct location within a framed composition. The artwork presents an elevated perspective of Livu Square in the Old Town - a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors. A focal point of the composition is the Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre, which stands out through its architectural details, showcasing the aesthetics and monumentality of its Neo-Renaissance and Classicist styles. In the background, against a light blue sky, the silhouette of St. Peter’s Church rises - one of Riga’s most iconic landmarks. The painting is infused with light, evoking the atmosphere of a sunny spring day. Acrylic paint is applied with smooth, thin layers, resulting in a matte surface that enhances the lightness and spontaneity characteristic of sketching techniques. /// The artist’s signature is on the lower right.