Ukrainian Divochyy

I decided today to try my hand at recreating the traditional folk dress of Ukrainian girls—the Vyshyvanka (embroidered shirt) and wreath. It was almost as complicated to paint as I'm sure it is to construct, and I ended up elaborating with both Stabilo pencils and Uniball pen to pick out some of the details. I'm sure I didn't do it justice, but it was fun to try. This divochyy (maiden) was also prettier (and much less prissy-looking) in the photo than I managed to pull off, but I did my best, so I'm letting her stand.

I feel that it's cultural traditions like this that will be lost (along with so much else) should Ukraine be subsumed by Russia. Despite the odds, I'm hoping the Ukrainians can pull this off and save their democracy, their identity, their independence.

"Ukrainian Divochyy"—pencil, acrylic paints, Stabilo pencils, Uniball pen, on 140-lb. coldpress watercolor paper, 9x12 inches.

If anyone would like to purchase this painting, I will donate the funds to one of the organizations sending supplies to Ukraine. Send me a message on Instagram @losangeles_melliott.