Mikhail Stepanyan is an US-based Armenian painter specializing in acrylic landscape portraits on hardboard. Born in Tbilisi, Georgia in 1941, Stepanyan served nearly 25 years in the diplomatic foreign service for the USSR, focusing on economic development throughout the Middle East. While stationed in Kuwait, he strengthened Kuwaiti-Armenian relations through culture, inviting musicians and artists to perform and display works throughout the country.

Upon entering retirement, Stepanyan developed a connection to painting and crafted his first works in 2015 as a self-taught artist. Initially learning by replicating works of great artists, his works have evolved, now serving as avenues for reflection, gratitude, and a deeper understanding of the landscapes of his youth.