Arsène Chabanian (1864-1949)+Pastel on paper, The old water mill

This fine pastel depicts a serene landscape featuring a flowing river, a bridge, and a building on the right side. The details in the painting, such as the texture of the foliage, the reflections in the water, and the structure of the building, are meticulously rendered, suggesting a careful observation of nature and a high level of technical skill. The scene is bathed in a cool, blue-toned light, suggesting either early morning or late evening, with the light reflecting off the water's surface. The composition leads the viewer's eye along the river, starting from the foreground and moving towards the background, where the bridge and the building are situated. The use of perspective and the placement of the bridge create a sense of depth. Chabanian uses a predominantly blue and green color palette, which creates a cool, calming atmosphere. The highlights on the water are rendered in lighter, almost white tones, enhancing the sense of movement and light reflection. The lighting is a key feature of this painting. The artist has skillfully captured the way light interacts with the water and the surrounding environment. The dappled light effect on the river suggests a partially obscured light source, possibly filtered through trees or other foliage. The pastel technique appears to be loose and expressive, particularly in the depiction of the water. This technique adds to the sense of movement and fluidity. The texture of the foliage and the rough surface of the rocks are rendered with visible, textured strokes, adding a tactile quality to the painting.

The overall mood is tranquil and reflective. The cool color tones and the gentle flow of the river contribute to a sense of peace and serenity. There is also a hint of mystery due to the subdued lighting and the somewhat hidden parts of the scene.

Chabanian's work shows influences of Impressionism, particularly in the way he captures light and atmosphere. The focus on natural scenery and the use of light to convey mood are hallmark traits of this movement.

This painting by Arsen(e) Chabanian is a beautiful example of landscape art that effectively uses color, light, and composition to create a peaceful and engaging scene.)