Svitlana in the Studio
Glimpses of the artist at work and in her creative space
"Through each angel, I seek to capture the divine light that exists within all of us."
A Ukrainian graphic artist and illustrator creating luminous visions of celestial beings
Svitlana Chebanova is a graphic artist and illustrator based in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, whose work explores themes of spirituality, light, and divine presence. Her "Angels of the Day" series represents the culmination of years of artistic exploration and spiritual practice.
Working with a diverse range of materials—pencils, colored pencils, ink, watercolor, pastel, gouache, markers, liners, and even unexpected elements like flower petals, threads, and cat paw prints—Svitlana has developed a distinctive experimental style. Each angel in her 365-day series is a unique meditation, created with reverence and attention to the subtlest nuances of light and form.
The "Angels of the Day" series is a year-long creative journey that began as a personal spiritual practice and evolved into a profound artistic statement. Each day of 2026, Svitlana creates a new angel—365 unique beings, each carrying its own message and energy.
"I wanted to create something that would bring light and hope into people's daily lives," Svitlana explains. "Each angel is painted in the morning, when the light is soft and the world is still quiet. They are my prayers, my meditations, my offerings of beauty."
Svitlana works on high-quality paper using an ever-changing palette of materials—from traditional watercolors and inks to gouache, pastels, markers, and experimental elements. Her process is both disciplined and intuitive—each morning begins with meditation, followed by focused creative work.
The resulting artworks are intimate in scale but vast in their emotional range. Some angels are serene and contemplative; others radiate joy or strength. Each one is an invitation to pause, reflect, and connect with something greater than ourselves.
Creating from Mykolaiv, Ukraine, Svitlana's work carries special significance. In a time of uncertainty and challenge, her angels offer messages of resilience, hope, and enduring beauty. They are reminders that even in darkness, there is light; even in struggle, there is grace.
A portion of proceeds from digital sales supports humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
Art doesn't happen in isolation. In Svitlana's studio, two furry companions keep her company as she creates each angel: Nyusya, the Chief Inspector of Paintings, and Timon, the Director of Moral Support. Whether they're napping on finished paintings, walking across open sketchbooks, or simply providing quiet companionship, they are an essential part of the creative process.
Glimpses of the artist at work and in her creative space