Born in the small village of Kolarovo, Bulgaria, Angel (b. 1994) quickly realized he wasn’t cut out for the traditional village life.
With the end of high school approaching and contemplating his future, a quote stuck with him: "If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life." This sparked a period of reflection. Angel had always been drawn to creative pursuits, from crafting handmade cards to designing school posters. He knew his path had to involve art in some way. Being a painter seemed, at the time, too conventional. Then, inspired by a friend with body artwork, Angel decided to take upon tattooing as a career path.In a remarkably short time, he made a name for himself, winning competitions in Bulgaria and the UK and collaborating with some of the biggest names in the tattoo industry across Europe, Canada, and Japan.
In 2019, while living and working in Scotland, in his search to improve his draughtsman skills, Angel discovered the Glasgow Academy of Fine Art, where he studied under Sarah Margaret Gibson and Lee Craigmile. Initially learning part-time, being exposed to the teachings and secrets of the Old masters, it didn’t take long for him to enrol in the Core Program and fully devote to learning the language of painting.
“For years as a tattoo artist, I helped people tell their stories. I felt it was time to start telling mine," Angel reflects.
Over the next five years, he immersed himself in rigorous study, focusing exclusively on drawing and painting from life and copying the old masters. The learning involved exploration of the human figure, still life compositions and landscape studies, all from observation.
“True artistic freedom begins with mastering the technique. Only through understanding and discipline we can transcend the technical to create something profound and timeless”
After graduating from the prestigious Glasgow atelier in 2023, Angel never felt more creatively awakened and he was ready to embark on the next chapter of his artistic journey. Grateful for the opportunities tattoo industry has offered, he is now fully committed to pursuing his career as a professional painter.
His works already grace personal collections across Europe and the United States.
Exhibitions :
2021
GAFA: The Emerging artists
2024
Summer show, The Lemond gallery
Christmas Exhibition, The Lemond gallery
2025
“Standing on GIANTS’ shoulders” Solo show