Capturing the Spirit of 19th-Century Zheravna with a Palette Knife
Stepping into the studio today, I wanted to capture the historic architectural beauty and timeless charm of Zheravna, one of Bulgaria’s most iconic 19th-century towns. For this landscape, I relied on my signature heavy impasto style, using a palette knife to apply thick, expressive strokes of oil paint. Rather than pre-mixing every shade on the palette, much of the color blending happens directly on the canvas. This technique creates vibrant color combinations, rich sculptural textures, and a dynamic play of light that brings the wooden facades and cobblestone streets of old Zheravna to life. Take a closer look at the details in the photo below— notice how the raw texture of the paint reflects the rustic, enduring spirit of Bulgarian heritage. What element of the painting draws your attention first? I would love to read your thoughts in the comments!
