“Palanok Castle” – Original Painting by Marina Stognieva

The Story Behind the Painting

“Palanok Castle” is an original painting by Ukrainian artist Marina Stognieva, created in 2026. The work is painted in oil on canvas, measures 30 × 40 cm, and is presented unframed.

At the centre of the composition stands Palanok Castle, rising above the green slopes and wooded landscape of Zakarpattia. Marina Stognieva presents the historic fortress not as an isolated monument, but as part of the living Carpathian landscape, where architecture, hills, trees, and sky merge into one picturesque panorama.

General view of “Palanok Castle”.

The composition is built around the contrast between the substantial architecture of the castle and the lively greenery surrounding it. The pale walls and red roofs of the fortress stand out against the darker mountain slopes, while the foreground is filled with energetic strokes of green, yellow, and blue.

The sky plays an important role in the painting. Soft pink, blue, yellow, and grey tones create a sense of changing light and spaciousness. As a result, the historic building does not appear frozen in time — it seems to live within the landscape and change together with the colours of the surrounding nature.

“Palanok Castle” during the painting process in the artist’s studio.

During the creative process, Marina Stognieva developed the composition through broad areas of colour, gradually defining the silhouette of the castle and the surrounding terrain. Textured brushstrokes in the foreground greenery bring movement to the scene, while the architectural details remain sufficiently simplified to preserve the overall unity of the painting.

Interior visualisation of “Palanok Castle” framed on a wall.

“Palanok Castle” 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 tells the story of Ukraine’s regions through painting, bringing together historic places, landscapes, architecture, traditions, and her own artistic vision.

In this work, the castle becomes more than an architectural landmark. It forms part of the visual identity of Zakarpattia — a region where history seems to grow directly into the mountains and greenery. It is this relationship between the old fortress and the surrounding landscape that defines the atmosphere of the painting.

→ 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 “Palanok Castle” is an original artwork by Marina Stognieva, created by hand in oil on canvas. 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 canvas painting 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.

“What attracts me to Palanok Castle is not only its history, but also the way it has become part of the Zakarpattia landscape. The fortress rises above the greenery, yet it does not feel separate from it — architecture and nature create a single image here.”

— Marina Stognieva