Pastel artist Holly Cannon captures the essence of her wildlife subjects in detailed, realistic portraits. Visit her website to see more of her portfolio.
![pastel of a zebra by Holly Cannon](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Holly-Cannon-A-Moment-of-Solace-pastels-on-velour-14x22-1.jpg)
“A Moment of Solace” pastel on velour, 14″ x 22″
I have always loved to draw and paint. Art class was my favorite class and all of my notebooks were covered in drawings. I earned a communications degree with a minor in art from Florida International University as an avenue to use my passion and not be a “starving artist”.
![pastel of orcas by Holly Cannon](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Holly-Cannon-A-Mothers-Love-pastels-on-pastelmat-20x16-1.jpg)
“A Mother’s Love” pastel on pastelmat, 20″ x 16″
I’m fortunate to have a wonderful husband and five adult kids and a dog. We also owned and ran a horse breeding farm along the way, so I didn’t have much time for my art, but my heart always longed to paint again.
![pastel of a giraffe by Holly Cannon](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Holly-Cannon-An-African-Beauty-pastels-on-velour-14x12-1.jpg)
“An African Beauty” pastel on velour, 14″ x 12″
Several years ago, after a long hiatus, I once more found my paintbrush while recuperating from hip surgery. I instantly found my happy place again. I attended a workshop with my friend and mentor, Lesley Harrison, and was introduced to the medium of pastels and absolutely love them!
![pastel of a Monarch butterfly by Holly Cannon](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Holly-Cannon-Birthday-Beauty-pastels-on-pastelmat-14x12-1.jpg)
“Birthday Beauty” pastel on pastelmat, 14″ x 12″
I was amazed at the depth and realism I could achieve with pastels and found a great local teacher who helps me get unstuck from all of my paintings when needed.
![pastel of a macaw by Holly Cannon](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Holly-Cannon-Preening-pastels-on-velour-16x22-1.jpg)
“Preening” pastel on velour, 16″ x 22″
I am a wildlife photographer as well and try to achieve a photorealistic look in each of my paintings. My highest compliments are when people tell me they can’t tell the difference between my art and a photograph.
![pastel of a dolphin by Holly Cannon](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Holly-Cannon-A-Curious-Look-pastels-on-pastelmat-15x14-1.jpg)
“A Curious Look” pastel on pastelmat, 15″ x 14″
I usually begin with the eyes in most of my paintings. They guide and watch over me while I’m creating my works. I truly believe eyes are the windows to animals’ souls. With each painting, I am trying to capture the soul of the animal on paper.
![pastel of a zebra by Holly Cannon](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Holly-Cannon-A-Look-Back-pastels-on-velour-16x13-1.jpg)
“A Look Back” pastel on velour, 16″ x 13″
My love for animals and nature comes from my deep faith. I believe God has given us a beautiful planet, full of amazing creatures for us to enjoy and care for. I love sharing my paintings of them with the world.
![pastel of a tiger by Holly Cannon](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Holly-Cannon-Chillin-pastels-on-velour-22x16-1.jpg)
“Chillin'” pastel on velour, 22″ x 16″
My passion is and has always been painting, but my true love is my faith and family—my husband and our five kids, their spouses and my grandson. In them I find my greatest joy.
Artist Holly Cannon invites you to follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Etsy.
Speak Your Mind