"Ukrainochka"

Alyona (Kovtun) Balser

24x36

acrylic on canvas

Gallery commission donated to charity

"I painted this "Ukrainochka" (Ukrainian girl) at a time when I was particularly missing the golden fields and blue skies of my homeland. I wanted to feel connected to the country I was missing so much. In this painting, I hope to honor all of the beauty I see in Ukraine: its nature, its people, and its traditions. I am proud to be part of that heritage and I know it is worth fighting for."

Artist Bio:

Instagram: @_twolilys_

Alyona (Kovtun) Balser is a self-taught artist from Luhansk, Ukraine. The granddaughter of a renowned and award-winning artist and sculptor, Alyona grew up among wonderful works of art that kindled her passion for painting.

In 2014, Alyona and her mother fled their hometown in eastern Ukraine after it was illegally seized by Russian military members and separatists. A year later, Alyona immigrated to the United States where she married and started a family.

Since Russia's renewed hostility towards Ukraine, Alyona has dedicated her artistic talents towards trying to raise funds to help her parents, grandmother, brother, and friends still in Ukraine.

Alyona lives in Orem, Utah with her husband and two beautiful daughters.