Sabbi Gavrailov

Equestrian & Portrait Oil Paintings by Sabbi Gavrailov
Original Fine Art Commissions | Hertfordshire, UK

I’m Sabbi Gavrailov, a UK-based oil painter specialising in equestrian art and fine portraiture.
With a classical approach and a deep respect for the Old Masters, my work captures the soul, presence and story of each subject — whether it’s a thoroughbred in motion or a dignified personal portrait.

Every piece is painted on museum-quality linen using traditional techniques, and is available as an original artwork or as a limited-edition print. I also take on bespoke commissions for private collectors, riders and families who wish to immortalise their companions in oil.

Live Painting Demnstrations by Artist Sabbi Gavrailov, Hertfordshire, UK

LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS

Group Painting Classes by Artist Sabbi Gavrailov, Hertfordshire, UK

GROUP ART CLASSES

Live Painting Demnstrations by Artist Sabbi Gavrailov, Bulgaria

PRIVATE TUITIONS

Art Workshops by Artist Sabbi Gavrailov, Hertfordshire, UK

FOCUSED WORKSHOPS

Award-Winning Equestrian Fine Art by Artist Sabbi Gavrailov

Equestrian Art

Portrait Art

Award-Winning Figurative Fine Art by Artist Sabbi Gavrailov

Figurative Art

Award-Winning Still Life Fine Art by Artist Sabbi Gavrailov

Still-Life Art

Art is Life...

BIOGRAPHY

Equestrian Artist Sabbi Gavrailov, Hertfordshire, UK

Sabbi Gavrailov is a UK-based oil painter specialising in equestrian and portrait art.
His work combines classical technique with emotional depth, capturing the power of horses and the personality of people through rich, detailed brushwork.

Originally from Bulgaria and now working in Hertfordshire, Sabbi is a self-taught artist with a distinct lineage, a distant relative of Zlatyu Boyadzhiev, one of Bulgaria’s most celebrated painters.

He began his early development under the mentorship of contemporary Bulgarian artist Geno Lazarov.

Sabbi’s portraits have won multiple awards, including the “Visitors' Choice Award” at the Harpenden Art Club Annual Exhibition in 2021, 2022, and 2024. His work has been recognised internationally for its excellence in figurative and portrait painting.

In 2023, he launched his solo exhibition Roots at the Private Gallery and Art Museum Dimitar Georgiev (Plovdiv), followed by a public invitation from the Mayor of Brezovo to present it during the town’s cultural festival.

Working exclusively in oils, Sabbi develops his compositions from sketches and photographs, often attending workshops and live demos to refine his craft and share his techniques.

His equestrian and portrait commissions are held in private collections across Europe, the Middle East, South America, a reflection of his global appeal and refined, timeless style.

WORKSHOPS, DEMONSTRATIONS & TUITIONS

Oil Painting Workshops

Immerse yourself in the art of oil painting with my structured workshops. These sessions are designed for artists eager to refine their technique, deepen their understanding of composition, and explore expressive brushwork. Each workshop focuses on classical principles blended with contemporary interpretation. All materials are provided, and group sizes are limited to ensure personal attention.

Live Art Demonstrations

I offer engaging live art demonstrations for art societies, galleries, and educational institutions. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to observe my complete painting process in real-time—from the initial sketch to the final layers. I provide detailed explanations of palette choices, mediums, and Old Masters-inspired techniques. Demonstrations can be tailored to themes such as portraiture, equestrian art, or still-life painting.

Private Oil Painting Tuition

For artists seeking focused, one-to-one guidance, I provide private oil painting tuition tailored to your individual goals. Whether you are a beginner learning fundamentals or an experienced painter developing a personal style, sessions can cover technical mastery, composition, colour theory, or the subtleties of capturing character and atmosphere. Tuition is available in person or online by arrangement.

For enquiries or bookings, please get in touch.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

2025

HAC Annual Exhibition-Harpenden, UK, Nov
Piano and Art-Live demonstration for a private community, Oct, Charity Initiative
Almenara Art Prize-Participant, Aug
Live Demonstration and Solo Exhibition-Leverstock Green, (Charity Event-Support the Community), May
Artists & Makers Exhibition -Berkhamsted, UK, March

2024

Portrait in Oils Demonstration-Harpenden Art Club, Nov
Piano and Art-Live demonstration for a private community, Oct, Charity Initiative
HAC Annual Exhibition-Harpenden, UK, Oct
Aldenham Art Festival, UK -September
Visual Artist Asociation-Annual Open Competition
Teravarna 8th Figurative International Juried Art Competition and Exhibition-LA, California
Seminar & Solo Exhibition-Portrait, Zlatyu Boyadzhiev House- Brezovo, Bulgaria, April
Teravarna 6th Still-Life International Juried Art Competition and Exhibition-LA, California
Live demonstration and workshop, Zlatyu Boyadzhiev House- Brezovo, Bulgaria, January

2023

Teravarna 8th Portrait International Juried Art Competition and Exhibition-LA, California, Dec
Teravarna 7th Figurative International Juried Art Competition and Exhibition-LA, California, Nov
HAC Annual Exhibition-Harpenden, UK, Oct
Portrait in Oils-Guest speaker and Demonstration-Harpenden Art Club, Sept
Aldenham Art Festival, UK, Sept
Roots Solo Exhibition -120th Anniversary Zlatyu Boyadzhiev - Brezovo, Bulgaria, Sept
Letchworth Open 2023, UK -August, Oct
Art in the Nave, Hemel Hempstead, UK, Aug
Teravarna 6th Figurative International Juried Art Competition and Exhibition -California, Aug
Teravarna 7th Portrait International Juried Art Competition and Exhibition - LA, California, July
Roots Solo Exhibition - Dimitar Georgiev Gallery, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, May
R Young Gallery-Spring-Summer Exhibition, Wokingham, UK

2022

Guest Speaker and Demonstration Harpenden Art Club-Still -Life in Oils, Dec
Dacorum Creatives Art Hub -Group exhibition-Portraiture, Nov
Oct-HAC 63rd Annual Group Exhibition-Harpenden, UK - WINNER- Visitor's Choice of painting
HVAF Open Studios-Hemel Hempstead, UK, Sept
ALDENHAM ART FESTIVAL, UK, Sept
July-HVAF Big Art Fair-Group Exhibition, Hitchin, UK
June-Anatomy of a portrait HMQEII-Featured exhibition (Dacorum Creatives Art Hub)
Dacorum Creatives Art Hub -Group exhibition-Marine Art
Dacorum Creatives Art Hub -Group exhibition-Portraits and Landscapes

2021

HVAF Big Art Fair-Group Exhibition, Hitchin, UK
HVAF Open Studios-Hemel Hempstead, UK
Dacorum Creatives Autumn Exhibition-Hemel Hempstead, UK
HAC 62nd Annual Group Exhibition-Harpenden, UK- WINNER- Visitor's Choice of painting
Dacorum Creatives Art Hub Winter Exhibition, UK

2020

HVAF Herts Visual Art Winter Showcase- Group online exhibition
The Beyonder-Picture of the Week online publication

RECOGNITIONS

Award-Winning Portrait Artist Sabbi Gavrailov, Hertfordshire, UK

WINNER-BEST IN SHOW

HAC 62nd Annual Group Exhibition, Harpenden, UK, 2021

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WINNER-BEST IN SHOW
HAC 63rd Annual Group Exhibition, Harpenden, UK, 2022

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CATEGORY FINALIST
BUCKS Art competition, Stow and Waddesdon NT, UK, 2022
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SECOND PLACE

HAC Annual Exhibition, Harpenden, UK, 2024

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3RD PLACE
HAC 63rd Annual Group Exhibition, Harpenden, UK, 2022

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COMMENDED

HAC Annual Group Exhibition, Harpenden, UK, 2025

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TALLENT PRIZE AWARD
Teravarna Fine Art Gallery "6th Still-Life" International Juried Art Competition,
LA, California, USA, 2024

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TALLENT PRIZE AWARD
Teravarna Fine Art Gallery "7th Figurative" International Juried Art Competition,
LA, California, USA, 2023

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TALLENT PRIZE AWARD
Teravarna Fine Art Gallery "8th Portrait" International Juried Art Competition,
LA, California, USA, 2023

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TALLENT PRIZE AWARD
Teravarna Fine Art Gallery "6th Figurative" International Juried Art Competition,
LA, California, USA, 2023
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TALLENT PRIZE AWARD
Teravarna Fine Art Gallery "7th Portrait" International Juried Art Competition,
LA, California, USA, 2023