In 1936 – 39, he attended the courses of drawing K. Brencena. In 1940, 48 years – the Latvian Academy of arts, where it more significant teachers were L. Svemps, K. Miesnieks and N. Breaks.
In exhibitions the artist has participated с1943 beginning of the year. More significant personal exhibitions are organized in Riga (1977, 1980), Jelgava (1981), memorable exhibitions – in Cesis (1986) and Riga (1991, 1992).
Ya Brekte became a member of the Union of artists in 1950. In 1981 he received the title Honored art worker of the Latvian SSR.
The artist was one of the most popular and plodotvornym watercolorists of his time.
The Museum Lizuma to be a permanent exhibition of works Ya Brekte.