Karine Dulyan

Artisan Organization: Karine Dulyan

Country: Armenia

"Hello, I’m Karine Dulyan, though I go by Karishok in the art world. I am an artist who finds deep inspiration in the intricate patterns of cityscapes and the abstract beauty of landscapes. My journey as an artist has been an evolution. I worked as an architect for twenty years, dedicating myself to designing buildings that balanced functionality and aesthetic. Yet, after two decades, I felt a pull towards a different form of expression—a yearning to reconnect with the creative joy I knew in childhood. So, in 2020, I decided to follow my heart and fully immerse myself in painting.

"Transitioning from architecture to painting allowed me to channel my creative vision through a new medium, one that didn’t require blueprints or precise measurements but instead welcomed fluidity and instinct. This freedom inspired me to explore painting as a way to capture moments, textures, and moods that resonate with my experiences. Each painting is a journey, inspired by urban environments that carry stories within their streets, buildings, and skies. I’m fascinated by the layers of emotion and history within cityscapes—the charm of old neighborhoods, the energy of crowded streets, the calm of a city at dawn. My work aims to capture the intangible: the way light hits a wall at sunset, the vibrant colors of a crowded marketplace, or the quiet beauty of a city bathed in rain.

"I work primarily with watercolor, acrylic, ink, and mixed media. These tools give me the versatility to express the nuances of each scene, allowing colors and textures to evolve on the canvas. I love how watercolor’s softness contrasts with the intensity of acrylics, and I often blend ink or textured elements to add depth and a tactile quality to my work. My approach to painting is highly intuitive. Rather than planning every detail, I let the colors and strokes guide me. This spontaneous style means that no two pieces are ever the same—each painting has its own life, mood, and energy.

"In my art, color is everything. Bold colors convey warmth and energy, while soft hues create a sense of calm and introspection. I enjoy pushing the boundaries of traditional cityscapes and landscapes by adding layers of texture and experimenting with vibrant, unexpected color combinations. Sometimes, I’ll add a splash of deep blue where there might only be a hint of sky or incorporate warm orange tones into buildings to bring a sense of vitality. Through color, I aim to evoke feelings of harmony, connection, and nostalgia, transforming everyday scenes into vibrant compositions that speak to the soul.

"My abstract landscapes are another important facet of my work, inspired by nature’s vastness and the world’s interconnectedness. Abstract art allows me to communicate feelings and impressions that are beyond words. These landscapes are less about capturing a specific place and more about evoking an atmosphere—like the tranquility of a sunset or the feeling of walking along a coastline. My hope is that these pieces invite viewers to pause, reflect, and see the world’s beauty with fresh eyes.

"Being an artist is about more than creating beautiful things; it’s about connecting with others through art. I want my work to resonate with people, to remind them of their favorite city, a cherished memory, or simply the beauty in everyday life. My architectural background helps me find balance in structure, but my heart is in the emotions I pour into each piece. Each brushstroke is a reflection of my journey and the places that have touched my soul.

"Through my art, I hope to inspire others to find joy in the world around them, to notice the colors, textures, and moments that make life vibrant. Whether it’s a bustling street or a quiet landscape, there’s beauty to be found in everything. As Karishok, my goal is to capture that beauty and share it with you. Thank you for joining me on this creative journey—I look forward to sharing my world with you through each piece.""