He studied in architecture Department of the Riga state technical school. In 1937, he graduated from the workshop of species of painting of V. Purvitis in the Latvian Academy of arts.
In 1939 – 40, the artist worked as a drawing teacher in an elementary school in the City, in 1940 – 41 years – a teacher of mathematics and calligraphy in the economic technical school Rezekne in 1941 – 42 years – an art teacher at the 1st primary school of Rezekne. Since 1945 worked as a teacher at the Latvian State Academy of arts, 1952 associate Professor, since 1971 – Professor.
In exhibitions N. Breaks participated since 1935.
Personal exhibition in Riga (1971(72)), the commemorative exhibition in Riga (1986).
In 1942 – 1945 years the artist was a member of the cooperative Fine arts. Since 1944 member of the Union of artists, in 1958 – 1960 member of the section Bureau of the painters, in 1960 – 1967 – Deputy Chairman of the Board. N. Breaks was a member of the arts Council and Chairman (1959 – 63) in the Art Fund. Also the artist was a member of the Commission of experts at the Ministry of Culture and Chairman of the Arts Days (1960).
Since 1971 he is a national artist of the USSR
