Sevan Lake 1936

Martiros Sarian painted Sevan Lake with what looks like oil on canvas, and I get the sense he was really pushing the paint around. The thick brushstrokes, especially in that mesmerizing water, create movement and depth. I love how the cool blues and purples contrast with the warm, earthy tones of the rocks in the foreground. There’s a real tension between the abstract and the representational. Look closely and you’ll see how Sarian uses these long, directional strokes to define the form of the water, almost like he's sculpting with paint. It reminds me of some of Guston's later landscapes, where the paint becomes this physical, almost tangible substance. Ultimately, this painting isn't just about depicting a lake; it's about capturing the feeling of being there, of experiencing the vastness and power of nature. It's like Sarian is saying, “Here’s what it feels like, make of it what you will.” And isn't that what art's all about?