Ararat from Dvin 1952

Martiros Sarian made this landscape of Ararat from Dvin with broad brushstrokes and a light color palette. I imagine Sarian standing in front of the scene, squinting in the sun, mixing piles of cadmium yellow and cerulean blue on his palette. It’s a dance between observation and invention. The paint is applied in layers, with visible brushstrokes creating texture and depth. Look how he uses color to create a sense of light and atmosphere, the blues and greens of the landscape contrasting with the snow-capped peaks of Ararat. It’s a scene that feels both real and dreamlike. What was he thinking as he made the bold marks and dabs that suggest the scene? Sarian’s work reminds me of other landscape painters who were similarly interested in capturing the essence of a place. The conversation between artists is ongoing; they inspire each other across time. I love the ambiguity and uncertainty in this painting. It feels honest.