Pastel Paintings: Portraits, Animals and Still Life

About Pastel Art

Soft and hard pastels have been used by master artists since the 16th century and remain one of the most respected mediums in fine art today.

Pastel sticks and pencils are incredibly versatile, capable of producing rich, vibrant colours as well as delicate, subtle tones. Their unique ability to capture softness, detail, and realism makes them especially suited for portraiture and fine artwork.

The term “pastel” can sometimes be confusing because many people associate it with pale decorative colours. In fine art, however, pastel is a highly pigmented medium known for its brilliance, depth, and exceptional visual impact.

My pastel portraits are created on premium archival pastel paper using only professional-quality materials. Each completed work is protected with a light application of professional fixative to help prevent smudging while maintaining the artwork’s natural beauty. Additional protection can be applied if desired.

Every pastel portrait and still life is professionally framed behind glass, which is included in the purchase price.

PRICING

Please contact me for a quote 905 870 5852 or email, nicosia.artstudio@gmail.com

Prices will vary for pastel portraits depending on the size, or more complicated backgrounds. Size of the actual portrait will range from 8″x10″ to 12″x16″ and priced from $500.00 to $850.00. The frame, (included) will increase the size by a few inches.

The portrait will be 100% guaranteed and if not satisfied, you will not be obligated to buy it. The painting will be protected a with professional fixative, a quality frame, a mat and a non-glare glass, included in the price.

Pastel Portraits from Photos

To create your custom pastel portrait, I require high-resolution reference photographs with clear facial details to ensure the finest visual accuracy. Images of low quality may not provide the level of detail necessary and could be declined.

Upon receiving your selected photo, I will first prepare a detailed sketch for your review. This step allows you to provide feedback and request any adjustments before the painting process begins. For a particularly striking and timeless presentation, I often recommend a black-and-white pastel portrait. Once the portrait is completed, minor refinements can still be made to ensure your complete satisfaction. Each portrait is carefully rendered on premium pastel paper and protected with a delicate fixative layer to prevent smudging. Your artwork is delivered fully framed with a mat and non-glare glass — all included in the price.

Every portrait is created with dedication, love, and artistic passion, resulting in a meaningful keepsake that can be cherished and admired for many years to come.

SELF PORTRAIT: This pastel self-portrait, below, represents my first attempt at turning the focus inward. While I am accustomed to painting others, studying my own features for hours proved both challenging and deeply introspective. Working in pastel allowed me to capture subtle tones, textures, and the natural character that comes with age. Rather than hiding imperfections, I embraced them to achieve a true sense of realism.

Though outside my comfort zone, this piece is both a rewarding accomplishment and a meaningful step in my artistic journey.

BLACK & WHITE: The following portraits are created using black and white pastel, a medium that emphasizes form, texture, and emotion without the distraction of colour. Depending on the mood you wish to convey, a monochromatic portrait can often be more powerful and engaging than a coloured one. By stripping away colour, the viewer’s attention is drawn to the subtle details—the depth of expression, the character in every line, and the play of light and shadow.

Black and white portraits possess a timeless quality, often evoking a stronger emotional connection and a sense of classic elegance, making them especially compelling and visually striking.

My mother’s pastel portrait at 85 years old.

The pastel portrait below of Walter Gretzky was donated to the Walter Gretzky Elementary school in Brantford Ontario.

Following are samples of pastel portraits from my art studio collection.

Samples of pets and animal paintings with pastel. Prices will be lower for painting pets and animal than they are for people portraits.

Still Life painted with Pastel.

More Pastel Portraits from the 1970s and 1980s.

This painting of an elderly couple was completed in 1982. One of my favourites and still displayed in my studio. This timeless pastel portrait was inspired by a simple magazine image I used as reference. It captures the quiet strength and enduring love of a life shared through hardship and resilience. The elderly couple, gently leaning into one another, radiate warmth, trust, and deep companionship—an unspoken bond forged over decades of hard work and perseverance. Every wrinkle and expression is treated with care and dignity, telling a story of lives fully lived.