formations . Alongside “ Yellow Field ” and “ Sawtooth ,” Garibyan produces skyscapes and seascapes as well . So , go wander in the Idaho Art Gallery and experience the outdoors — inside !
Garibyan ’ s father , a member of the Soviet Union Art Society and a painter himself , owned a studio where Garibyan spent time observing through much of his childhood . “ By the time I was 11 or 12 years old I knew how to stretch the canvases , how to prime them , how to mix the colors , and decipher which oils to use .” Garibyan remarks , “ I didn ’ t need to attend an art institution because my father taught me .” As Garibyan grew older , his love of impressionism grew stronger .
Garibyan studied the work of artists he admired , Van Gogh , Monet , and Pissarro . He consumed it to such a great degree that it influenced his creative expression . More so , Garibyan ’ s father painted landscapes in an impressionistic style . “ That ’ s how I fell in love with landscapes ” Garibyan notes , “ I was always surrounded by it .” Garibyan continued to paint while he attended a local university where he learned about the mechanics of design in architecture . In 1991 , after the fall of the Soviet Union , Garibyan moved to the United States . He , and his family , settled in a Southern Idaho town by the name of Twin Falls . Garibyan mentions that after the move , he “ didn ’ t have a chance to paint ,” but instead focused on supporting his family . “ I was doing many types of jobs . I worked construction , I made windows in a factory ,” Garibyan explains , “ but I knew that someday , something inside of me would tell me to paint again , and then it did .”
When the weather allows for it , Garibyan prefers painting in nature . The seemingly never-ending skies , vast wheat fields , and peculiar trees of the Northwest are what Garibyan is drawn to . “ I feel a connection with nature ,” begins Garibyan , “ The feeling is hard to explain . It might be from watching my father paint landscapes , but I don ’ t know — I feel at peace out there . It ’ s indescribable .” Garibyan will take photographs of these landscapes with the intended purpose of “ inspiration ” and “ detail ,” and will subsequently spend about half the time designing and drafting the painting . “ When I was younger , I spent more time making sure my colors were accurate , and my technique was sharp , but now I get to spend that time designing ,” states Garibyan . Finally , he uses his oils in a multilayer fashion ( layering one coat of paint on top of another ) to accurately capture the “ landscape ’ s texture and depth .”
Garibyan paints in mostly an impressionist art style , but some of his paintings feature realistic components — a historical monastery in his work , “ Khor Virap ,” is starkly naturalistic amidst its dreamy landscape background . Garibyan , like his childhood experiences , stretches his canvases ; he also dabbles in frame-making when there ’ s time . “ There ’ s no part of my creative process I don ’ t enjoy ,” states Garibyan . “ I feel a sense of freedom through the entirety of it .”
“ Sawtooth ” Original Oil Painting on Stretched Canvas | 24 ” × 30 ”
Since the days Garibyan was shadowing his father in his studio , his desire to paint hasn ’ t faltered . “ I am now more passionate than ever ,” Garibyan declares . “ My desire is to make customers happy with my art . That ’ s what makes me happy .” The gallery and displaying his art for others has certainly cemented Garibyan ’ s ability to do so . He explains that previously , it was difficult to find a space that would permanently house his art . “ It ’ s a struggle for many working artists ,” shares Garibyan . “ It was always my dream to paint as a profession ,” Garibyan continues , “ and it was always my dream to have my own space to sell my art .”
The Idaho Art Gallery originally opened in January 2022 ; however , Garibyan is looking to expand alongside the gallery in the coming year . They hope to continue featuring guest artists and aim to represent permanent residents in the future . The weekend of November 10-11 , 2023 , from 4-8pm , the Idaho Art Gallery will be hosting its November art show . Food and drinks are provided , along with the chance to experience Garibyan ’ s interpretation of Northwest nature . Take a walk through the scenery — fit ’ s dreamier than ever .
To keep up with Garibyan ’ s current work and scheduled visiting artists , visit www . landscapepaintings . org .
Scan the QR code to find out more .
82 ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE