March 11, 2026

Enduring Spirit

My latest painting—acrylics on a 6x6” canvas board—is a reflection on resilience and the Canadian spirit. While a single acorn might seem small, it carries a narrative of perseverance that I find especially relevant these days.

The square acorn painting by Margaret Kiprenko displayed on a small wooden tripod easel against a neutral, textured grey background. The studio lighting highlights the canvas texture and the warmth of the wood tones.
 
The acorn is a vessel of time—holding the history of the oak and the future of the forest. It reflects a link to our country’s past and a connection to the landscape we inhabit. It suggests that our strength is rooted in endurance and a collective wisdom built over generations. Beyond a symbol of stability, it is a reminder of our capacity for growth and the inner power that allows us to persevere and transform.
 
A square-format acrylic still-life painting of a single, large acorn resting on a wooden surface. A crisp maple leaf is carved into the acorn's shell. Warm, atmospheric light illuminates the scene against a background of soft, diffused autumn leaves. Painting by Margaret Kiprenko. 
 
Because I got so engrossed in the work, I simply forgot to take any progress photos along the way. To show the physical reality of the piece and its scale, I am sharing a photo of the finished painting held in my hands.

A person's hands holding the small square acorn painting by Margaret Kiprenko to show its scale.
 
Enduring Spirit is a tribute to the stability and longevity of this country. It is an expression of pride in our ability to remain steadfast and to continue growing, regardless of the challenges we face. 

Close-up of an acrylic painting showing the tactile, layered brushstrokes within a carved maple leaf symbol on an acorn. Painting by Margaret Kiprenko



 





February 4, 2026

Serenity in Between



I recently finished this small (6x6”) acrylic painting in light blue theme, as my contribution to the Canada National ‘Bears’ Mural Mosaic project.

In a time when we often feel overwhelmed by noise and stress, I wanted to create an image that reflected beauty, calm, and comfort. I envisioned a scene that, to me, felt like a serene, comforting bubble - the quiet ritual of a cup of tea and the promise of a pause in a busy world.
 

"Serenity in Between" speaks to those moments we carve out for ourselves - a breathing space in our day when we sip a warm drink, reflect, and just be. It is about finding stillness amidst everything else - that quiet  interval where the world’s demands can fade into the background for a little while.

I believe that art has the power to offer some comfort and respite, and I hope this painting brings a little bit of that peaceful feeling into your day, just as it did for me while creating it.