Life & Work with Lidya Tchakerian of Canyon Country

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lidya Tchakerian.

Lidya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Thank you for asking. For me, art isn’t just a career; it’s truly been a lifelong journey and a core part of who I am.

I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t drawing or painting. This passion followed me through school and ultimately led me to pursue my Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the prestigious Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA). That experience was transformative, and I was incredibly honored to graduate as valedictorian. Upon my graduation, the university administration extended an amazing invitation for me to join the faculty and begin my teaching career right there at ALBA.

It was there, while teaching at the university and continuing to develop my own work, that I discovered my deepest passion. I realized that while I loved the academic environment, I felt a strong pull toward a more personal, community-focused approach to art education—one that could reach people of all ages and skill levels.

That realization was the seed that I brought with me to Santa Clarita. I wanted to create the kind of supportive, non-intimidating environment I would have loved as a young artist, so I officially started Lidya’s Fine Art Classes indoors, generously hosted at the St. Sarkis Church hall. The classes began to grow through wonderful word-of-mouth here in the community. Then, when the pandemic hit, like so many others, I had to adapt quickly and transitioned my classes online to keep my students’ creative spirits alive. As things began to open up again, I moved the classes outdoors, which led us to our current ‘en plein air’ format at Fair Oaks Park. I’ve chosen to continue with this outdoor model because I truly believe nature is the ultimate classroom; it teaches us about light, color, and atmosphere in a way no studio ever could.

So, that brings me to where I am now. My focus is on providing personalized, one-on-one guidance to a wonderful mix of children, teens, and adults. My mission is to help each student build not just their skills—from foundational techniques to advanced concepts—but also their confidence and passion for art. Seeing a student’s face light up with pride over their work is the most rewarding part of my story, and it’s the ‘why’ behind everything I do.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey to where I am today, with Lidya’s Fine Art Classes, has certainly been a passionate one, but it hasn’t been without its share of struggles.

Building from Scratch
When I first arrived in Santa Clarita and set out to create the kind of supportive, non-intimidating art environment I envisioned, the initial hurdle was simply getting the word out. Building a new business from the ground up, especially in a new city where I didn’t have established connections, meant a slow start. Relying on word-of-mouth for growth is wonderful, but it takes time and consistent effort to attract those first students and really get things rolling.

Navigating Unexpected Challenges
Then came a challenge no one could have predicted: the pandemic. It significantly impacted the business, as it did for so many others. Shifting our in-person classes to a completely virtual format required immense adaptability and resilience. It was a constant learning curve to figure out how to maintain the quality of instruction and that personal connection with students when we couldn’t be together. The financial strain during that period was also a major concern, as enrollment fluctuated and uncertainty loomed.

Competing in a Crowded Landscape
Another ongoing struggle is the competition for children’s and families’ time. Santa Clarita offers an incredible array of activities, and I often find myself competing not just with other art programs, but with sports teams, Taekwondo classes, dance studios, and countless other enriching activities vying for a family’s limited time and resources. It’s a constant challenge to highlight the unique value of my personalized art approach and to convey that it offers a different, equally vital form of development.

Why We Embrace the Outdoors
I’ve chosen to continue with this outdoor model because I truly believe nature is the ultimate classroom. It teaches us about light, color, and atmosphere in a way no studio ever could. This approach isn’t without its unique challenges, of course—especially navigating the intense Santa Clarita summer heat! But it teaches us resilience. We adapt by working in the cool of the morning and finding the perfect shady spots, and the reward of connecting with nature and capturing its true light is always worth the effort.

The Motivation Through It All
Despite these challenges, every hurdle has made me more determined and focused on my mission. Seeing a student’s face light up with pride over their work is the most rewarding part of my story, and it’s the ‘why’ behind everything I do, pushing me through even the toughest times.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As an artist and art instructor, my identity is deeply intertwined, creating a unique approach to both my personal work and my teaching philosophy.

What I’m Known For
As an artist, I’m recognized for my large-scale, multi-layer, full-color works, particularly in oil and mixed media. My art is often described as contemporary New Expressionism, delving into profound themes: the conflicts of existence, the history of war and culture, and the intricate conscious and subconscious feelings of humanity. Having lived through tumultuous times, my paintings are a raw and honest exploration of these experiences, blending drama and beauty to create a dialogue between the art and the viewer. I strive for limitless expression, allowing my subconscious to guide the ever-deepening language of my canvases. My work has been exhibited internationally across the United States, Europe, Lebanon, and China, and I’ve been honored with national and international awards.

As an art instructor, I’m known for bringing a university-level academic foundation to a highly personalized, community-focused setting. My students, from children to adults, learn foundational techniques and advanced concepts through one-on-one guidance within a group class. What truly sets my teaching apart, and what I’m widely recognized for in Santa Clarita, is my commitment to “en plein air” instruction at Fair Oaks Park. I believe that learning in nature offers unparalleled lessons in light, color, and atmosphere, creating a dynamic and inspiring classroom that nurtures creativity in a way no traditional studio can.

What Sets Me Apart
What truly sets me apart in both capacities is the depth of my artistic journey and educational background, combined with my passion for sharing it. My Master’s degree from the prestigious Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA) and my years teaching at the university level provided a rigorous classical foundation. Yet, my passion led me to create a more accessible, nurturing environment. This blend of academic rigor with a deeply personal, hands-on, and nature-immersed approach is rare. I don’t just teach art; I empower individuals to discover their own unique artistic voice, drawing from my own extensive experience as a working and exhibiting artist.

What I’m Most Proud Of
My greatest pride lies in witnessing the transformative power of art in my students’ lives. It’s not just about the finished painting, but the journey of discovery, the building of confidence, and the pure joy that radiates from them when they realize their own capabilities. Whether it’s a child creating their first vibrant landscape or an adult pushing the boundaries of their technique, seeing that spark of accomplishment and growing passion for art is the ultimate reward for me. It’s the tangible proof that my lifelong journey in art continues to inspire and enrich others.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like best about Santa Clarita is undoubtedly the sense of community and its incredible natural beauty. When I first arrived, I was immediately struck by how welcoming and supportive the local community is. That word-of-mouth growth for Lidya’s Fine Art Classes wouldn’t have been possible without the families here embracing what I offer. And, of course, the access to places like Fair Oaks Park, where I conduct my ‘en plein air’ classes, is simply invaluable. Being surrounded by nature, with its constantly changing light and colors, provides the perfect environment for teaching and learning art. The dedication to parks and open spaces truly sets Santa Clarita apart and is vital to my work.

What I like least, or perhaps find most challenging, about Santa Clarita, is the competition for people’s time and attention. While it’s wonderful that there are so many enriching activities available for children and adults—from sports to dance to Taekwondo—it means that families have an immense number of choices when it comes to extracurriculars. It can be a challenge to ensure that art, and specifically the unique, personalized art education I provide, stands out and is recognized as an equally important and valuable pursuit amidst so many other appealing options. It’s about educating the community on the profound benefits of artistic development in a busy landscape.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://LidyaArt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lidyas_fine_art_classes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LidyasFineArtClasses
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidya-s-fine-art-classes-87628565/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lidyasfineartclasses724
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lidyas-fine-art-classes-santa-clarita