Workshop at National Art School Dimitar Dobrovich, Sliven, Bulgaria
I had a clear vision for Mamut Pastels from the start, which turned into a mission. I observed that something significant had been neglected in relation to the Pastel medium. So In addition to creating high-quality soft pastels, I considered it important to reclaim the Soft Pastel technique, so that it would no longer be considered as a minor technicality. My goal is to make people aware of the possibilities of pastel, to share it with as many people as possible, and to search for formulas that would make this precious medium, Soft Pastel painting, more accessible to people.
At the exhibition, gallery of the National Art School Dimitar Dobrovich in Sliven, Bulgaria, 2025
Pastel Paintings by Mihaela Zoeva, Gallery of the National Art School Dimitar Dobrovich in Sliven, Bulgaria, 2025
Pastel Paintings by Mihaela Zoeva, Gallery of the National Art School Dimitar Dobrovich in Sliven, Bulgaria, 2025
At the exhibition, gallery of the National Art School Dimitar Dobrovich in Sliven, Bulgaria, 2025
Pastel Paintings by Mihaela Zoeva, Gallery of the National Art School Dimitar Dobrovich in Sliven, Bulgaria, 2025
Young Artist experimenting with Soft Pastels, National Art School Dimitar Dobrovich in Sliven, Bulgaria, 2025
With this premise and these objectives in mind, an exhibition and a workshop were recently held at the Opening of the “Pastel” exhibition, in the spacious and bright “Nova” gallery of the National Art School Dimitar Dobrovich in Sliven, Bulgaria! This dynamic and interactive project, carried out by Bulgarian artist Mihaela Zoeva, and sponsored by Mamut Handmade Pastels, highlighted that there is not only interest on the part of many young artists studying in art schools towards this medium, but also a lot of ignorance and a certain fear of the “unknown”.
Artist Mihaela Zoeva working with Mamut Soft Pastels, National Art School Dimitar Dobrovich in Sliven, Bulgaria, 2025
Painting with soft Pastels. Sliven, Bulgaria, 2025
The learning process of painting pastel can be intimidating at first, but as you let yourself go, free from academicism or rigidity of other techniques, pastel begins to speak for itself. The pigment penetrates all surfaces. The color invades everything, and the freedom of the stroke as well as the simple yet rewarding experience of touching the color make special things happen.
Young Artists painting with Mamut Soft Pastels, at National Art School Dimitar Dobrovich in Sliven, Bulgaria, 2025
About fifteen young artists were able to experiment with Soft Pastel during the workshop. While some of them had never had contact with quality soft pastels before, they had the opportunity to approach this medium like never before; in total freedom, guided throughout the process by artist Mihaela Zoeva. Perhaps the highlight of the unforgettable event was a long live drawing session that took place in the afternoon, with the 15 art students overflowing with enthusiasm.
Young Artists painting with Mamut Soft Pastels, Draw Session, at National Art School Dimitar Dobrovich in Sliven, Bulgaria, 2025
A view of the Draw Session, at National Art School Dimitar Dobrovich in Sliven, Bulgaria, 2025
Selecting the works, Young Artists at National Art School Dimitar Dobrovich in Sliven, Bulgaria, 2025
In an atmosphere full of creativity and smiles, practically everyone managed to relax, have fun and immerse themselves in the world of art and Soft Pastel. After the session ended, discussions took place, and the work created was discussed. I would like to personally express my gratitude to the National Art School Dimitar Dobrovich in Sliven for their hospitality, to Artist Mihaela Zoeva for developing all the project, and the entire team for the magical moments.
Final photo with “dirty hands”, National Art School Dimitar Dobrovich in Sliven, Bulgaria, 2025
