Rise of the Bold is a reflection of the strength and resilience I see in my native Ukraine. The hollyhock, a flower so common in Ukrainian gardens, rises tall with unwavering determination, much like the people of my country. In its vibrant magenta bloom, I see the spirit of my homeland — bold, proud, and unyielding. The flower’s vertical growth, pushing toward the sky, mirrors the courage of those who fight for freedom, defying the darkness with each step forward. As the hollyhock blooms despite the harshness of the elements, so too do the people of Ukraine rise amidst conflict, with unbreakable will and hope. This painting is a tribute to their bravery, their ambition for a peaceful future, and the enduring beauty of a nation that refuses to bow. The magenta petals, rich with meaning, remind me of Ukraine’s vibrant heart and its people’s unwavering resolve to rise, no matter the struggle.