Illuminating and Meditative “Atmospheric Probabilities” in Pastel

Banner image: Detail of “Atmospheric Probabilities (Rojo)”, pastel on paper, 30” x 22”. 

Poul S. Nielsen, psnielsen.com, creates illuminating and meditative paintings in pastel. He is internationally known for his spacious and ephemeral “Atmospheric Probabilities”.

His art transports us beyond physical and cognitive limitations and levels of consciousness. Through Poul’s art we enter a transcendent, blissful world and encounter the magical, mystical healing elements in nature.

Poul’s artwork is included in many public collections in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and China.

Atmospheric Probabilities (Yellow), pastel on paper, 30” x 22”

As a Color Field painter Poul focuses on color and form using a minimal and optical non-representational painting approach. In his carefully planned compositions, he manages his space as an energizing vibrational force, which imbues his art with a powerful healing modality.

Poul states, “My current work titled ‘Atmospheric Probabilities’ is an expressive response to and celebration of the extraordinary light and colour that I experience on a daily basis in my unique prairie environment. The exceptional colour of the indigenous Blackfoot has influenced me and recent trips to Peru with its vibrant colouration has resulted in intensified and saturated hues.”

Atmospheric Probabilities (Rojo), pastel on paper, 30” x 22”

In 2025 Poul received an award for the seventh annual Art awards from the Leonardo DaVinci Museum of Art & Science in Milan, Italy.

Among his many accolades Poul was nominated for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Award in 2023. In 2022 he was elected Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, NYC, NY.

Probable Realities (Red), pastel on paper, 30” x 22”.

Poul is an artist and educator, who was raised in the small farming community of Standardard, Alberta, Canada. He completed a degree in Studio and Humanities at the University of Montana at Missoula, USA. He has traveled extensively and lived and worked in New York, London, England and Sapporo, Japan, where he was a member of the Canadian Olympic Luge Team in 1972.

On his return to North America he was invited by the University of Montana Department of Art to initiate a MFA degree in printmaking/painting with a full teaching assistantship, receiving that degree in 1975.

Poul also completed post-graduate studies and had the opportunity to study with leading contemporary artists George McNeil, Phillip Guston, Milton Resnik and AlexKatz.

Atmospheric Probabilities (Morado), pastel on paper, 32” x 20”

His art has been selected for several exhibitions on The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS website, an initiative of Manhattan Arts International. In 2024 and 2025 his art was featured in “The Healing Power of Color”.

Poul states, “It is my belief that there is an inherent healing power in colour.” He shares our belief that art can serve as a positive catalyst for healing individuals and society.

Atmospheric Probabilities (Verde), pastel on paper, 32″ x 20”.

His art was also included in the most recent “The Healing Power of Art Inspired by Nature” Invitational Exhibition.

In 2023 Poul’s painting “Probable Realities (Rojo)”, which is shown on this page, was juried into “The Healing Power of Elements: Earth, Water, Air & Fire”. It was also featured in the exhibition video produced on the Manhattan Arts International YouTube channel.

With his submission to the exhibition Poul wrote “Our atmosphere is constantly changing so one has to be very attentive in transcribing the temporal into a permanent image. I view my paintings as celebratory and therapeutic in the amplification of colour and light through saturated and blended hues.”

Visit Poul S. Nielsen’s Website: psnielsen.com

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Instagram: @psmdnielsen47