Anastas Staykov was born on May 21, 1905 in Smolyan. In 1929 graduated from the National Academy of Arts, Sofia, in the class of Prof. Stefan Badzov. Staykov is often referred to as the first Rhodope painter with an academic education; later specialized in the French "Academy Julien" in Paris. Throughout his life, Staykov lived and worked in Plovdiv, where he was a member of the Society of South Bulgarian Artists. In 1937, he organized his first exhibition in Sofia. He has over 20 solo exhibitions and numerous participations in national and regional expositions. Member of the Union of Bulgarian Artist, he is an honorary citizen of his native city of Smolyan. His works are owned by many galleries and private collections in the country and abroad. He is the recipient of a number of honors and awards, including the Order of St. St. Cyril and Methodius" (1985). In 1943, he participated in the Biennale in Venice. Retrospective exhibition in Sofia (1968). More significant works: "Native Room" (1933), "Fourteen Homes" (1936), "Rhodope Bride" (1938), "Krai Smolyan" (1938), "The Round House" (1979), "The Gorge" (1984) ) and others.
Died on September 10, 1988 in Plovdiv.