Portrait Painters: Artist Hannah Ostapjuk 🎨
Portrait Painters: We’re delighted to share the latest updates from Hannah Ostapjuk, a British-Ukrainian portrait and figurative artist based in Yorkshire, UK. Her work continues to captivate audiences with its emotional depth, cultural resonance, and painterly technique.
✨ Parallax — October 2023
The Parallax Art Fair in London was a milestone for Hannah’s career.
“Oh my WOW 😍 What a weekend! I had the best time at PARALLAX.
A great community, lovely artists and the most amazing feedback on my work.‘Best in the show..’, people returning later that day or coming back the next day to speak to me because my booth was so busy! 💙”
The event brought together collectors, gallerists, and artists from across the UK. Hannah’s stand was full from start to finish, and her portrait Beautiful Mind drew emotional reactions from visitors.
“Meeting gallerists, art consultants, collectors, and fellow Ukrainians ❤️ … I have made artist friends for life, learnt a lot and cannot wait to do something like this again.”
As a result of Parallax, Hannah’s audience expanded significantly. She inspired new artists, met professionals from the art world, and strengthened her creative community.
🖼 The Power of Grace — Contemporary Ukrainian Artist Exhibition & Sale (January 2024)
In January 2024, Hannah was honoured to exhibit in Power of Grace, a Contemporary Ukrainian Artist Exhibition and Sale. This important event celebrated Ukrainian creativity, resilience, and identity.
The exhibition featured leading Ukrainian and British-Ukrainian artists, united by a shared message of grace under pressure. Hannah’s portraits stood out for their warmth, expression, and balance of realism with emotion.
“An honour to be part of an exhibition that shines a light on Ukrainian artistry and spirit.”
Through this show, Hannah continued to bridge cultures between Ukraine and the UK. Moreover, her work invited audiences to see portraiture as a universal language of empathy and connection.
🎠 Commission Highlight: Lee Gap for Leeds GATE
Another major success was Hannah’s Lee Gap commission, created for Leeds GATE. The painting documents the historic Latter Lee Gap Horse Fair, a centuries-old Yorkshire tradition that remains deeply meaningful to the Traveller community.
The artwork celebrates community, identity, and heritage. Additionally, prints and postcards from Lee Gap have supported local outreach and heritage programs — blending fine art with real social impact.
This project shows how Hannah’s work extends beyond the studio. It connects storytelling with lived experience, giving voice to people and places often overlooked in mainstream art.
🌿 Looking Ahead — So Much to Look Forward To
From Parallax and Power of Grace to Lee Gap and upcoming projects, Hannah’s artistic journey keeps evolving.
There’s much to look forward to:
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Upcoming UK and European exhibitions
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New portrait and figurative collections
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Studio insights, sketches, and behind-the-scenes previews
To stay in touch, subscribe (enter email address in box to your right) for early access to new artworks, exhibition invitations, and commission opportunities.
