Swan No. 84 (2026) Original Oil Painting by Natalia Kameneva

In summer 2024, I began my swan series, which continued until around December 2025. During this time, I created 88 swan paintings. For me, this series represents my archetypal journey toward discovering my own inner worth—asking the fundamental question: "Who do you think you are?" I believe almost everyone knows this inner struggle with feelings of inadequacy, that voice saying "stay small." I know it too; it was loud throughout my childhood and followed me into adulthood. But outer circumstances forced me to confront it, sparking my transformation—from "you're worthless" toward a person who recognized her own value and built genuine, lived confidence.

The first swan painting marked a turning point: for the first time, my worth was acknowledged; I was in an environment where I could be myself—accepted, even respected. It echoed the ugly duckling's story, finally growing white feathers and being admired. Nearly a hundred more followed, but with the last one, I felt ready to move on.

Materials used:

Oil Paint

Details:

• Oil painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 40 x 50 x 1.5cm (unframed) / 40 x 50cm (actual image size)
• Ready to hang
• Signed on the back
• Style: Expressive and gestural
• Subject: Animals and birds