Textured paintings
Trained in the classical European school of realistic drawing and painting, I’ve worked across many mediums, but today I am best known for textural acrylic and oil works that focus on the individuality of Australian flora.
My process begins with shallow sculptural relief backgrounds that capture the forms and textures of the bush. Onto these surfaces, I layer subtle hues and naturalistic details. From afar, the paintings often read as abstract compositions; up close, they reveal intricate studies of colour and form.
As a newcomer to Australia, painting became my way of connecting with this land — learning its trees, flowers, and light through observation. I believe that when we truly know something, we begin to care for it. My work invites viewers to see the bush not as a uniform green mass, but as a collection of distinct, vibrant individuals.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
“Featured in Art & Style Magazine”
We’re very grateful to be featured in the latest issue of Art & Style Magazine, which includes a thoughtful article about True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow artist collective. The feature explores how our art supports ongoing fundraising efforts, highlights the unexpected connections between Ukraine and Australia, and introduces each artist’s individual style and approach. It’s a generous and well-considered look at our shared work and values. A huge thank you to Doug Clark for the wonderful write-up, and sincere thanks to Wayne at Northern Beaches Gallery for his continued support. This issue is filled with remarkable talent, and we’re honoured to be included among it.
“Live Sand Animation at Sydney Town Hall”
In August 2024, more than 725 guests gathered at Sydney Town Hall to mark the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence, standing together in solidarity, pride, and unity. The event, organised by the Ukrainian Council of NSW, unfolded as a powerful theatrical performance sharing Ukraine’s history, culture, and resilience. I took part in the program through live sand animation, accompanying the story of Illia — a brave Ukrainian boy who shared his lived experience on stage. As Illia spoke in front of the audience, I illustrated his words in real time with sand, allowing the images to emerge and dissolve alongside his voice. The story was deeply moving — painful, yet filled with hope for a better future. Working with sand live on stage brings its own challenges. Under pressure, with nerves and lights, even something as simple as sand becomes unpredictable — warm palms, fine grains sticking to skin, moments that cannot be undone. But perhaps that fragility is exactly what made the experience so honest. Illia’s story was shared with remarkable courage. At just twelve years old, he stood before the audience to tell the truth of what he had lived through. A video of this performance is available, featuring Illia Kyrychenko, with sand animation by Tetiana Koldunenko, and script, direction, and filming by Kateryna Kyrychenko. It was an honour to be part of a moment where story, image, and human strength met on one stage.
“Pseudo Stained Glass: Light, Colour, and Storytelling in the Interior”
Pseudo stained glass is a refined decorative art technique that transforms doors, windows, and interior objects into luminous design features. Created with special transparent paints, this approach allows light to pass through the surface, filling the room with colour and creating a soft, fairytale-like atmosphere within the interior. When daylight moves through the painted surface, the colours come alive, subtly shifting throughout the day and enhancing the emotional quality of the space. One of the key advantages of pseudo stained glass is its ability to match and enhance the existing interior style. From soft, minimal colour schemes to more expressive, ornamental designs, each piece is created in dialogue with the architecture, materials, and colour palette of the room. The artwork becomes an integrated part of the interior rather than a separate decorative element. Pseudo stained glass works beautifully as an accent feature or as a focal point, adding depth, warmth, and a sense of wonder. It is particularly effective in spaces where natural light plays an important role, turning everyday architectural elements into sources of colour and atmosphere.