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Artist Exhibitions:
Coming Soon!
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Artist Galleries:
Arbanassi Fine Art Gallery
37555 N. Hum Rd. <103
P.O. Box 741
Carefree, AZ 85377
tel. 480-575-7857
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Further Information
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Artist Reviews:
Coming Soon!
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Collections:
Coming Soon!
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Commissions:
Coming Soon!
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Artist Statement for Michael Stoyanov
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"As I begin painting I recollect my enthusiasm to give body to my idea and then set out with the intention to place perhaps even only one brushstroke, but to find its right place."
Michael Stoyanov was born on November 21, 1949 in the hill village Balkantzi, located in the vicinity of Bulgaria’s medieval capital - Veliko Tarnovo. Raised under the sounds of hammers and anvil in the family of a barrel craftsman, carried by his mother on the fields, walking after the plow, among aromas of thyme and yarrow, Michael’s imagination was deeply impressed with the humble beauty of the people around him.
In 1972 Michael Stoyanov earned an MFA degree from the University of Veliko Tarnovo, specializing in painting. The young artist was intrigued by the expressive means of photorealism and focused on compositions and portraits. "I drew thematic sources for my painting from the village workers, the unheard of, the unseen, the suffering, the lonely..." His sharp technique and compassionate perspective quickly caught the attention of the critics, resulting in publications, articles and purchases.
In 1983 Stoyanov organized his first solo exhibition in the most prestigious art venue in Bulgaria, the National Palace of Culture in Sofia, followed by 16 more in different cities in Bulgaria. In the mid-80s Stoyanov's preferred artistic form becomes the landscape, crafted with palette knife and oils. While he was successful with the juried state exhibitions, which were a primary source of livelihood for artists under the socialist regime, Michael was also among the first artists in Bulgaria who worked hard to create a market economy for their art, to establish a direct connection with the customer, and gain foreign exposure. "I feel great pleasure from the contact with my fans, in seeing people’s enthusiasm about my art", says the artist. "I still remember when a team of reporters from the Japanese national TV purchased 17 of my paintings during their 3-day stay in the historic Bulgarian village Arbanassi, where I used to exhibit my artwork. They were gathered around me, as I was painting from nature, and were waiting for me to finish the painting in order to buy it."
In 1992 Stoyanov and his family took advantage of the opening of frontiers in Eastern Europe and immigrated to the United States. In 1995 they were granted permanent U.S. residence on the basis of Michael’s recognized extraordinary abilities as an artist. In the United States Stoyanov skillfully translates his artistic vision to communicate with his new audience and organizes 6 solo exhibits. He has won award publication and honorable mention in the Manhattan Arts International Magazine in 1996 and 1997. He actively participates in art festivals and has won best of show and ribbon awards numerous times. In October 1999 Michael and his wife Ekaterina - also an artist - opened their own gallery and studio in Carefree, Arizona, where they currently paint and sell their artwork.
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