Local painter inspired by real-life sceneries

Scenes of nature come naturally to artist Anahid Minatsaghanian each time she grabs a paintbrush.

One of the Glendale resident’s recent pieces is currently on display at the Pasadena Museum of History in the exhibit “Contemporary Masters, Artistic Eden IV exhibit,” which runs through Sunday.

Her passion lies within depicting landscapes and her entry, “Fall in the Arroyo,” depicts a woodland scene in the San Gabriel Valley, which is the overarching theme of the exhibit’s 101-piece collection.

The acrylic artwork is a snapshot of a gentle stream with a reflection of nearby trees and their bright yellow-orange leaves in the midst of autumn.

Minatsaghanian said real-life sceneries serve as an inspiration for the moments she tries to capture on a canvas.

“It’s all about nature and colors,” she said of her work. “The message I’m trying to send out is that we need to cherish nature instead of destroying it.”

Minatsaghanian said author John Muir’s quote, “nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees” describes her work well.

“This is so true and I related that to my paintings,” she said.

A native of Tehran, Iran, Minatsaghanian emigrated to Southern California in the late 1970s. She studied advertising art and has worked with several design companies. Today, she devotes all her time to creating new artwork.

She began taking art lessons in her younger years with her teacher serving as her biggest role model. She said she’s grateful for all the support her family has given her over the years.

Minatsaghanian said she works daily, though some days she’s more in the right mood than others.

Looking ahead, she said one of her goals this year is to put together an exhibit, possibly at the Brand Park library, along with other Glendale artists and have some of the proceeds from artwork sales going to Childrens’ Hospital Los Angeles.

“We need to send out another message besides having all these buildings going up in our streets and all this development,” Minatsaghanian said.

The museum is open from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission Saturday is $7. The exhibit is free on Sunday because it’s the final day. For more information, visit www.pasadenahistory.org.