Nicola Reif - Wildlife Pastel Artist

I’m a self-taught artist and my subjects are animals and birds - especially wildlife. My background in science and biology influences my style which is detailed yet artistic. Choosing to work in pastel allows precision, stunning clarity and depth of colour along with the ability to render the lightness of feathers and the softness of fur. It is a medium that complements natural subjects beautifully. 

I am committed to wildlife and environmental conservation through the medium of my art, making contributions in whatever way I can. I am often out and about stalking wildlife in its natural habitat with my camera and, for the more exotic subjects and domestic pets, I use photographic reference. 

When I paint, I pay particular attention to the subject’s eyes, and I strive to capture a little of the animal’s soul which is reflected there. I want viewers to really see the animals in my paintings and feel their vulnerability, their power, and their emotion. If the viewer comes away with a feeling of connection with, and respect for, the animals I paint then I feel I have achieved my objective. 

I am very proud to be a Distinguished Artist member of the Pastel Society of New Zealand. An Associate artist of the Pastel Society of America, a member of the Pastel Society of Australia & an associate member of the Society of Animal Artists.