“Ukrainian Girl in a Vyshyvanka and Flower Wreath” – Original Painting by Marina Stognieva

The Story Behind the Painting

“Ukrainian Girl in a Vyshyvanka and Flower Wreath” 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 a young girl dressed in traditional Ukrainian clothing. Her embroidered vyshyvanka, flower wreath, and long multicoloured ribbons create an image in which cultural tradition meets the character of a living contemporary person. The artist does not turn the figure into a purely decorative symbol — the girl remains an individual with her own gaze, mood, and inner presence.

General view of “Ukrainian Girl in a Vyshyvanka and Flower Wreath”.

The image gains much of its expressiveness from the contrast between the warm golden-ochre background, the dark silhouette of the clothing, and the vivid ribbons of the wreath. Red, blue, yellow, and green accents move down the figure, creating rhythm and emphasising the festive character of the traditional Ukrainian image.

The vyshyvanka and flower wreath are more than decorative details in this work. They carry a sense of cultural memory, continuity between generations, and connection to Ukrainian tradition. At the same time, the free painterly brushwork and expressive execution give the portrait a contemporary and emotionally direct character.

The painting during the creative process.

While working on the portrait, Marina Stognieva gradually developed not only the external features of the girl but also the overall emotional character of the image. The face is handled more quietly, while the flowers, ribbons, and elements of the clothing are painted with freer and more energetic strokes. This keeps the viewer’s attention on the girl’s gaze while preserving the decorative strength of the traditional costume.

Detail of “Ukrainian Girl in a Vyshyvanka and Flower Wreath”.

The close-up reveals the texture of the oil painting particularly clearly: individual brushstrokes remain visible, colours interact without excessive smoothing, and the details of the wreath and embroidery are suggested through lively colour accents. This approach preserves the sense of the artist’s hand and the immediacy of the creative process.

Interior visualisation of “Ukrainian Girl in a Vyshyvanka and Flower Wreath” framed on a wall.

“Ukrainian Girl in a Vyshyvanka and Flower Wreath” 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 stories.

In this work, the traditional Ukrainian image is presented not as an illustration of the past, but as a living part of the present. The wreath, embroidered shirt, and colourful ribbons recall cultural roots, while the girl’s gaze brings the viewer back to the individual — her character, dignity, and inner strength.

→ 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 “Ukrainian Girl in a Vyshyvanka and Flower Wreath” 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 image, I wanted to combine the beauty of Ukrainian tradition with the character of a living contemporary person. The vyshyvanka, wreath, and ribbons speak about our cultural roots, but the most important element for me remained the girl’s gaze — her inner dignity and presence.”

— Marina Stognieva