“Hutsul Woman. Portrait of a Ukrainian Woman” – Original Painting by Marina Stognieva

The Story Behind the Painting

“Hutsul Woman. Portrait of a Ukrainian Woman” is an original work by Ukrainian artist Marina Stognieva, created in 2026. The painting is made in oil on 300 g/m² paper and measures 21 × 30 cm.

At the centre of the composition is the profile of a Ukrainian woman presented through a Carpathian cultural image. The dark background intensifies the expressiveness of her face, the vivid details of her clothing, and the decorative elements of her headwear. Rather than focusing on ethnographic precision, Marina Stognieva concentrates on the woman’s character, inner composure, and strong presence.

General view of “Hutsul Woman. Portrait of a Ukrainian Woman”.

The image is built around a strong contrast between the illuminated face and the almost black space surrounding the figure. This naturally draws the viewer’s attention to the woman’s profile, her gesture, and the details of her clothing. Bright orange, red, pink, and golden brushstrokes add warmth to the composition and emphasise the decorative richness of the traditional image.

A thin trail of smoke rising into the darkness gives the painting a distinctive atmosphere. It introduces movement into the otherwise concentrated composition and strengthens the sense of silence, introspection, and inner tension surrounding the figure. The interaction between the woman and the dark space makes the portrait feel both intimate and contemporary.

Interior visualisation of “Hutsul Woman. Portrait of a Ukrainian Woman” framed on a wall.

When framed, the work becomes a compact yet highly expressive portrait. Its 21 × 30 cm format creates a sense of personal encounter with the subject, while the dark background allows the painting to act as a strong visual accent even within a restrained interior.

Detail of “Hutsul Woman. Portrait of a Ukrainian Woman”.

The close-up reveals the texture of the oil painting particularly clearly. Individual brushstrokes remain visible, colour works independently, and the details of the face, hand, and clothing preserve the immediacy of the artist’s gesture. This approach keeps the portrait emotionally direct and retains the presence of the artist’s hand.

“Hutsul Woman. Portrait of a Ukrainian Woman” is part of Marina Stognieva’s large-scale author project “Picturesque Guide to Ukraine” and was created for the section dedicated to Zakarpattia. Through this project, the artist explores the regions of Ukraine through painting, cultural imagery, nature, traditions, and human character.

In this work, the Hutsul woman appears not only as part of a traditional culture, but as a strong contemporary woman in whom past and present exist simultaneously. Through such human images, the project presents Ukraine not only as a territory, but as a living culture with its own character and memory.

→ Explore Zakarpattia in the “Picturesque Guide to Ukraine”

→ Discover the project

→ Learn more about the artist

Artwork Details

Original Artwork & Collectible Fine Art Prints

The painting “Hutsul Woman. Portrait of a Ukrainian Woman” is an original artwork by Marina Stognieva, created by hand in oil on 300 g/m² paper. It is a unique one-of-a-kind work.

Collectible Fine Art Prints personally signed by Marina Stognieva may also be available for selected works. Available formats, materials, prices, and other details can be discussed before ordering.

Payment & Worldwide Shipping

Payment can be made via PayPal, bank transfer, or another agreed method.

Worldwide shipping is available. Shipping costs and estimated delivery times are calculated individually depending on the destination and order details.

The work on paper is carefully packaged to protect the painted surface and ensure safe transportation. All purchase, payment, packaging, and international shipping details can be discussed directly with the artist before ordering.

“In this portrait, I wanted to see the Hutsul woman not as a decorative ethnographic image, but as a living woman with her own character, inner strength, and silence. Tradition remains beside the person here, but it does not overshadow her individuality.”

— Marina Stognieva