SVETLIN SOFRONIEV | 3RD PLACE
2025 LANDSCAPES COMPETITION

Watercolor is considered a very challenging painting medium to master, but in the skillful hands of Bulgarian artist Svetlin Sofroniev, watercolor is a perfect means to express the artist’s impressive vision.

Sofroniev’s representational paintings reveal a balance of skill and spontaneity, incorporating bold color, dramatic use of light, and expressive lines. His ability to control the unpredictable qualities of watercolor results in work that is visually compelling and technically refined.

His work has garnered many awards, been included in numerous solo and group exhibitions, and can be found in collections all over the world.

We asked Sofroniev about his process and inspiration.

You do a great deal of plein air painting. What is it you enjoy the most about it?

There’s a certain magic in being surrounded by nature – the light, the sounds, the atmosphere – it all influences the brush. I love the immediacy of plein air painting, the challenge of capturing a fleeting moment. Painting outdoors makes you work fast and keeps you away from overdoing the watercolor. It’s raw, honest, and deeply connected to the environment, which helps me stay loose and responsive in the process.

Do you always work en plein air or do you sometimes work in your studio?

I love painting en plein air, but not always. Often, I’ll do quick sketches or studies outdoors to capture the essence of the scene and then refine or complete the piece in my studio using reference photos. This gives me more freedom to focus on composition and detail while still holding onto the spontaneity of the moment.

Your paintings have a fluid, gestural, spontaneous quality. What is your process that keeps these qualities evident without overworking a piece?

Watercolor demands trust, it rewards letting go. I try to approach each painting with a light hand and an open mind, stopping before I say too much with the brush. I sketch loosely, work quickly, and leave space for the paint to speak for itself. It’s about knowing when to pause and allowing imperfections to stay – they often bring the piece to life.

I try to keep the quick plein air style even when working in studio.

What is it about watercolor that makes it your primary medium?

Watercolor has a freedom and unpredictability that I find irresistible. It flows, blends, and surprises. My first teacher was a watercolor artist, and from the beginning, I was drawn to its transparency and delicacy. It reflects the mood of the moment — it’s alive.

What inspired you to paint the scene in “Gazivoda Lake” and what do you hope viewers see in this piece?

This scene at Gazivoda Lake instantly caught my attention — the soft reflections in the water, the stillness of the floating houses, and the gentle contrast between the warm shoreline and cool greens of the lake. I was drawn to the harmony between nature and human presence. The composition came from a higher viewpoint, which allowed me to play with depth, light, and shadow. I wanted to convey a sense of peaceful isolation and quiet resilience. I hope viewers feel the calm of this secluded corner and maybe even imagine the stories these little houses could tell.

Where are some of your favorite places to paint?

Italy and Greece are among my favorites. The light there is extraordinary — warm, golden, and ever-changing. In Italy, every village is a story waiting to be painted, while in Greece, the contrast between the white architecture and deep blues of the sea is mesmerizing. Both places are rich with atmosphere and history, perfect for plein air exploration.

All images © Svetlin Sofroniev, shared with permission.