In the time of leisure 1930

Martiros Sarian painted “In the time of leisure” with what looks like oil on canvas, and he’s not afraid to let us see how it’s done. The strokes are broad and direct, capturing the light and shadow with a real sense of immediacy, like a sketch but with the full weight of color. Look how Sarian builds the scene with these confident marks, the brush almost dancing across the canvas. The colors are vibrant, but not in a way that feels loud; instead, they evoke a kind of sun-drenched stillness. Notice the figures, they’re solid but also blend into the background. It’s almost like they are part of a dream. Take the strokes that define the shadows beneath the table, for instance. They’re not just dark; they’re alive with blues and purples, suggesting depth and coolness. You can almost feel the heat of the day and the welcome relief of the shade. Sarian reminds me of Matisse, with that same love of color. Like Matisse, Sarian creates a space where you can breathe and feel free. It's more of an evocation than a representation.