Spring is at its peak in Armenia. Every day nature fills people’s hearts with hope, joy and color. Artists feel those colors strongly and they need to be close to nature, an opportunity that FAR’s Fine Art Painter’s Program provides.

For more than ten years, FAR has organized daylong excursions for local artists. This particular trip, which was called “Plain Air” or “Open Air,” differed from previous ones in that most of its participants were women. Artyusha Avetyan, a representative of the Artists’ Union of Armenia, selected a group, which included experienced artists and students from the Yerevan Academy of Fine Arts.

All of them spent one unforgettable day in the neighborhood of Ashtarak, near a 17th century bridge, painting beautiful pictures. Susanna Tovmasyan, who has been painting for 30 years, expressed her sincere gratitude to FAR for creating such an opportunity. Nina Karapetyan, who recently opened her first solo exhibition at the Armenian Artists’ House, was fascinated by the well-organized event. She called her painting A Scene with Surb Sargis (Saint Sargis) and generously donated it to FAR’s office.

FAR Communications Officer Hasmik Manukyan accompanied the group. The day was significant for her as it was the first time she had ever used oil paints to bring a lovely landscape to life on canvas.

Fruitful Day

Nina Karapetyan with her Art  - A Scene with Surb Sargis

Masterclass by Levon Lachikyan

Hasmik Manukyan is Pleased with her Work

Credit: Levon Lachikyan

Winter came to Armenia late this year. Now, it is making its slow and reluctant departure. In a way, this was a blessing for the members of FAR’s Fine Arts Painter’s Program, who were able to travel to the Kotayk region and soak up the winter view in Hankavan.

Their surroundings covered with snow and showered in bright sun, six artists and two art critics spent one unforgettable day on the bank of Marmarik River putting on canvas their interpretations of the view. FAR usually holds the trip three times a year and each time one artist thanks FAR with the gift of a painting.

For 10 years, FAR has worked with the Artists Union of Armenia to organize these excursions. The program covers transportation costs and provides food and supplies for the day trips, which are a welcome respite from Yerevan and a chance for these artists to immerse themselves in and be inspired by nature.

So far, the artist groups initiated by FAR have only painted during spring, summer and fall. This was the first time they were able to capture the unique spirit of winter. Artist Hamlet Asatryan generously presented his painting, which he named “Late Winter,” to FAR as a token of appreciation.

Artists Group Members

Painter Hamlet Asatryan at Work

“Late Winter” by Hamlet Asatryan

Credit: Levon Lachikyan

Each year, FAR partners with the Armenian Artists’ Union to organize an excursion to a serene and scenic spot outside Yerevan with the hope that these selected painters have the chance to absorb a new environment and gain inspiration for their work. FAR provides the coverage for travel, food and art supplies needed for the trip. This fall’s group recently spent a day at Karbi Gorge in Aragatsotn region.

Armenian Artists’ Autumn Visit To Karbi

Credit: Levon Lachikyan

The richness of the Armenian fall was at its peak, the sky clear, the sun warm. Together these eight painters passed the day capturing the scene and engaging in lively conversation anytime they put their brushes down. Despite the fact that they all live in Yerevan, they often don’t have an opportunity to form camaraderie; this trip makes it possible.

Artists In The Nature

Credit: Levon Lachikyan

And as tradition goes, one of these artists will donate a painting to enrich the already impressive collection of work from these bi-annual trips.

Artists’ Works Inspired
By Beauty of Nature

Credit: Levon Lachikyan