Thanks to the flourishing crafts and the beginnings of industry, Samokov has a leading position as Renaissance Center in the late eighteenth century. Economic prosperity of the town is the prerequisite for the rise at this time of one of the leading art schools – The Samokov school of arts. Founder is Hristo Dimitrov and his sons Dimitar Zograph and Zachary Zograph continue his work. The Samokov school of arts reached its zenith in the works of its most eminent representative – Zachary Zograph, who marks the beginning of realistic painting in the representation of saints and donors, as well as the very nature of our country. His work is a real peak in Renaissance art. This first master has huge contribution to our national identity. He creates enormous mural ensembles in the most glorious Bulgarian monasteries – Rila Monastery, Bachkovski Monastery, Trojan monastery and other monasteries and churches. His nephew – Stanislav Dospevski is the first Bulgarian artist with academic education. The creative achievements of Ivan and Nicola Obrazopisov are also remarkable as well as of many other painters from Samokov.
The painting art glorified our town is alive today thanks to the artists within the Samokov region. Painters and sculptors find the beauty in human, nature and the world around us and recreate it with own style and technique in their work.