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Viktoriia Kolesnykova
Artist from Ukraine
A member of the Association of Botanical Artists (ABA, UK), the Society of Ukrainian Botanical Artists (SUBA), and the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA), Viktoriia actively participates in local and international exhibitions.
In her work, the artist explores the delicate boundary between life and death, beauty and destruction, hope and despair. For her, plants are more than just part of nature—they are symbols of resilience, the ability to thrive despite chaos and fear, to adapt, and to find their place under the sun.
Viktoriia draws deep parallels between the plant world and human psychology: the adaptability of plants echoes the neuroplasticity of the brain, while their ability to regenerate after trauma embodies the interplay of strength and vulnerability.
At times, her works are contemplative and meditative—an exploration of nature’s forms, colors, and rhythms. At other times, they are symbolic, reflecting the paradoxes of the modern world: simultaneous blooming and destruction, light and shadow, fragility and strength. Yet, they all share a common essence—a reverence for the moment, for life, and for the ability of both nature and humanity to bloom against all odds.
Primary mediums: painting, drawing, digital art.
Materials: Watercolour, oil, pencil, digital media.
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Branch of Vitellaria paradoxa with Nuts. Original Watercolor
Painting by Viktoriia Kolesnykova
56.9 x 48 cm • Paper, Watercolor, Watercolour
Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea Tree, Karité) with Nuts
This painting depicts a branch of the shea tree with ripe nuts.
The artwork was presented at the "Rare Plants of the World" exhibition organized by the ASSOCIATION OF UKRAINIAN BOTANICAL ARTISTS, held at the National Museum of Natural History of the NAS of Ukraine. It was also featured in the official exhibition catalog.
The primary use of the shea tree is for producing shea butter, as well as timber and charcoal. However, these trees regenerate very slowly.
The vast majority of Vitellaria raw materials are harvested from the wild, as plantations are unproductive and the trees grow slowly. For this reason, the plant has a conservation status of Vulnerable.
Now I know that branches with nuts and a tuft of sprawling leaves at the end are a characteristic feature of this tree. The color of the nuts indicates that their ripening process, which takes 4-6 months, is almost complete: once green, the fruits have turned brown. Additionally, the tree must be over 10-15 years old, as it is already bearing fruit.
In this painting, I aimed to convey not only the natural beauty of this plant but also the feeling of the hot African sun and the savanna climate where karité grows.
This original watercolor was created on 100% cotton hot-pressed paper using professional, lightfast paints that ensure durability and vibrant colors. The paper has a creamy tint that enhances the velvety texture of the artwork.
About the artist
Viktoriia Kolesnykova
Artist from Ukraine
A member of the Association of Botanical Artists (ABA, UK), the Society of Ukrainian Botanical Artists (SUBA), and the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA), Viktoriia actively participates in local and international exhibitions.
In her work, the artist explores the delicate boundary between life and death, beauty and destruction, hope and despair. For her, plants are more than just part of nature—they are symbols of resilience, the ability to thrive despite chaos and fear, to adapt, and to find their place under the sun.
Viktoriia draws deep parallels between the plant world and human psychology: the adaptability of plants echoes the neuroplasticity of the brain, while their ability to regenerate after trauma embodies the interplay of strength and vulnerability.
At times, her works are contemplative and meditative—an exploration of nature’s forms, colors, and rhythms. At other times, they are symbolic, reflecting the paradoxes of the modern world: simultaneous blooming and destruction, light and shadow, fragility and strength. Yet, they all share a common essence—a reverence for the moment, for life, and for the ability of both nature and humanity to bloom against all odds.
Primary mediums: painting, drawing, digital art.
Materials: Watercolour, oil, pencil, digital media.
How does this artwork make you feel?
Contribute your perspective to the community & earn rewards. Leave your reflection below.
