Original Paintings on Canvas Panels
Collection of contemporary mixed-media portraits by Aleksandra Ola exploring the silent space between public performance and internal truth.
Through the stylized guise of theatrical personas and symbolic creatures, these canvas panels examine how identity is constructed and protected. This striking visual study of human vulnerability shows how beautifully the authentic self thrives in silence beneath the heavy makeup and structured costumes.
The Stage
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Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Original acrylic and pastels on canvas panel,
Size: A3: 29,7 × 42cm |11,69 × 16,54in
Style: Expressive figurative art / contemporary portrait
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Adorned in the structured guise of a stage actor, the pale woman in this mixed-media piece serves as both a guardian and a student of her own individuality. She gently cradles a rare white red panda, a powerful symbol of absolute uniqueness and non-conformity. In a world driven by standard boxes and social expectations, the unusual creature represents the courage to stand apart from the herd and maintain a quiet distance from external pressures.
By holding the animal so close, the performer is metaphorically nurturing these distinct traits within her own psyche. Her heavy mask and elaborate ruff costume function as a necessary armor, showing that she is actively growing into her unyielding sense of self. Protecting the rare beast mirrors the profound act of protecting her own vulnerability, proving that embracing one's isolation is often the ultimate form of self-preservation.
Behind the Ruffles
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Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Original acrylic on canvas panel,
Size: A3: 29,7 × 42cm |11,69 × 16,54in
Style: Expressive figurative art / contemporary portrait
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This striking contemporary portrait delves deep into the theatricality of the human psyche, exploring the tension between public performance and hidden emotion. The painting features a melancholic figure adorned in dramatic, mime-like makeup—a stark white mask that completely conceals their true identity. With stylized cloud-like hair, an ornate white collar, and a striped costume, the subject captures the essence of avant-garde theater.
The heavy paint and exaggerated features serve as a psychological barrier, a protective facade that locks away personal vulnerability. Beneath the stylized elegance of the stage persona lies a profound, quiet sadness, beautifully capturing how a performative mask can both express art and hide the true self.
The Melancholy Mask
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Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Original gouache and pastels on canvas panel,
Size: A3: 29,7 × 42cm |11,69 × 16,54in
Style: Expressive figurative art / contemporary portrait
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Created in a vibrant mix of acrylic and pastels, this compelling artwork boldly steps into the realm of sexual identity and self-expression, capturing the fluid essence of a Drag Queen adorned in mime-inspired makeup. The stark contrast between the pale, painted face and the explosion of fiery red hair heightens the sense of theatricality, turning the body into a canvas of deliberate performance. Striking a poised, dramatic pose, the subject commands the space with an air of stylized elegance.
Clutched gently in the figure's hands is a dark blue bird, an evocative symbol of ancient wisdom and the carrying of hidden messages. This creature serves as an anchor between the performative exterior and an internal truth. By blending the grandeur of drag culture with a contemplative theatrical posture, the piece explores how artifice can become the ultimate tool for delivering messages about the authentic self.
Queer Soliloquy
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Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Original gouache and pastels on canvas panel,
Size: A3: 29,7 × 42cm |11,69 × 16,54in
Style: Moody figurative art / contemporary portrait
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Exploring the profound depths of connection through a delicate mix of acrylic and pastels, this A3 portrait introduces a powerful narrative of friendship that transcends all boundaries. The center of this visual story is a stylized mime, whose heavy stage makeup and fiery orange hair present a mask of rigid theatricality. Yet, nestled close to this enigmatic figure is a large crane—a creature renowned for mating for life and holding a natural, fierce distrust of others. In a breathtaking display of vulnerability, the cautious bird has not only approached the performer but has placed its own fragile chicks directly into the mime’s care, with tiny pink nestlings resting safely on the figure’s shoulders.
This striking interaction serves as a moving allegory for trust, openness, and the deceptive nature of appearances. While the mime’s painted face hides a distinct personal identity, the crane perceives an authentic warmth beneath the performative shell. It is a compelling testament to how true devotion manifests in many forms, proving that genuine emotional bonds can flourish in the most unexpected places when appearances are cast aside.
The Keeper of Lifelong Vows
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Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Original gouache and pastels on canvas panel,
Size: A4: 21,0x29,7 cm | 8.27 x 11.69 in
Style: Moody figurative art / contemporary portrait
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Delving into the silent spaces of human understanding, this mesmerizing canvas panel portrait blurs the lines of conventional gender, presenting an androgynous mime who transcends traditional boundaries of male and female. Cloaked in a dramatic white mask of face paint and crowned with voluminous crimson hair, the figure's piercing blue eyes hold a deep, knowing melancholy. Standing in front of their striped attire and elaborate cream ruff is a glossy black ibis—a powerful creature of ancient symbolism. The bird's long, curved beak represents the metaphorical combing through chaos to uncover hidden truths, urging the viewer to look far beneath the surface of everyday life and trust their deepest intuition.
By cradling this enigmatic creature, the mute performer hints at a profound narrative or a powerful secret held locked within. Unable—or perhaps unwilling—to articulate this wisdom through traditional words, the mime allows the black ibis to become their voice. The silent alliance between the bird and the non-binary performer creates a beautiful visual metaphor for alternative communication, proving that the most profound stories are often told without a single sound.
The Ibis as my Voice
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Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Original gouache and pastels on canvas panel,
Size: A4: 21,0x29,7 cm | 8.27 x 11.69 in
Style: Expressive figurative art / contemporary portrait
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Bringing a profound sense of innocence to the stage, this mixed media piece captures a mime whose striking, crystal-clear blue eyes radiate a pure and honest sincerity. The figure is enveloped by fluttering pale yellow butterflies, creating a poignant dialogue between human pretense and the raw beauty of the natural world. In a moment of delicate mimicry, the subject folds a hand against their chest, mirroring the gentle shape of a butterfly's wings as if yearning to dissolve into the creatures surrounding them.
Yet, this longing for lightness is beautifully grounded by the weight of performance. The heavy, geometric makeup acts as a protective barrier, while the elaborate, heavily striped costume functions as a rigid chrysalis. Through this theatrical armor, the artwork explores the painful beauty of transformation, illustrating a soul trapped within a performative shell, waiting to break free into its true form.
The Pierrot’s Chrysalis
Aleksandra Ola’s contemporary gouache and pastel portraits capture a gentle world of deep reflection and inner peace.
These serene figures find refuge within nature, blending into soft shadows and lush flora alongside their loyal animal companions. It is a quiet celebration of sacred privacy and sacred solitude, showing how beautifully our true identity blooms when left to dream in secret.
Daydreams
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Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Original gouache and pastels on canvas panel,
Size: A4: 21,0x29,7 cm | 8.27 x 11.69 in
Style: Expressive figurative art / contemporary portrait
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A remarkable lightness of touch characterizes the execution of this portrait, where rapid, featherweight strokes give the surface an airy, fluid quality. The painting explores a tender narrative of emotional refuge and female autonomy. A serene, red-haired young woman is captured in a moment of quiet devotion, gently cradling a large white bird. Enveloped by a vibrant, dense landscape of yellow and pink reeds, the subject stands in quiet defiance within her untamed surroundings.
The symbolic companion serves as a universal emblem of purity, vulnerability, and internal peace. Through rich, layered textures, this contemporary portrait highlights a woman's inner strength and emotional independence. It poses a silent question about navigating the noise of the external world while fiercely protecting one's true identity in perfect harmony with nature.
The Shelter of Silent Grace
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Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Original gouache and pastels on canvas panel,
Size: A4: 21,0x29,7 cm | 8.27 x 11.69 in
Style: Moody figurative art / contemporary portrait
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The brilliance of the palette immediately commands attention. This original, expressive gouache painting explores a profound psychological dualism and the subtle nuances of female autonomy. The contemporary portrait features a serene, dark-haired young woman resting in quiet resignation against a golden birdcage. Surrounded by a vibrant, colorful garden filled with surreal flora, her closed eyes reflect a strategic detachment from her environment.
A striking white bird perched outside the cage serves as a powerful symbolic companion. This figurative artwork beautifully balances elements of domestic captivity with a hidden, simmering inner strength. It poses a silent narrative about navigating social harmony on the surface while fiercely protecting one's psychological independence in deep introspection.
Wake Me up When it's Over
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Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Original gouache and pastels on canvas panel,
Size: A4: 21,0x29,7 cm | 8.27 x 11.69 in
Style: Moody figurative art / contemporary portrait
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This atmospheric and moody contemporary portrait delves into a delicate space of vulnerability, protection, and societal expectations. The expressive figurative painting depicts a serene, red-haired young woman in a brilliant yellow garment, gently embracing a large white swan. Resting amidst surreal, dark teal and emerald green waters, she clings to her majestic companion in a tight gesture of devotion.
The swan serves as a universal symbol of purity, grace, and lifelong fidelity, acting as an alert guardian while the subject retreats into her inner world. Through rich, layered textures of gouache and pastels, this artwork highlights a silent emotional struggle. It is a compelling visual narrative exploring personal boundaries, female independence, and the heavy weight of maintaining perfect external harmony.
Hold on a Little Longer
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Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Original gouache and pastels on canvas panel,
Size: A3: 29,7 × 42cm |11,69 × 16,54in
Style: Expressive figurative art / contemporary portrait
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Radiant hues defines this piece, wrapping the scene in a soft, protective glow that enhances its profound sense of stillness. A barefoot young woman lies in a state of absolute, defenseless tranquility, her calm expression conveying deep trust and inner peace. She is completely vulnerable, yet her slumber remains undisturbed. Her dark hair seamlessly melting into a dense canopy of dark blue and black ravens that blend into the upper background, becoming an inseparable, protective element of her environment.
These avian guardians stand a fierce, silent vigil over her innocence, serving as keepers of ancient wisdom. While the sleeping subject remains in a peaceful silence, the birds seem to engage in a quiet, whispered council among themselves, sharing guidance while shielding her from the external world. Through the soft blurring of contours and the serene harmony of the palette, the artwork beautifully captures a rare sanctuary of psychological safety, demonstrating how absolute vulnerability can thrive when surrounded by loyal, quiet protectors.
The Council of Guardians
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Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Original gouache and pastels on canvas panel,
Size: A4: 21,0x29,7 cm | 8.27 x 11.69 in
Style: Expressive figurative art / contemporary portrait
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A vibrant interplay of saturated hues and radiant light defines this piece. This expressive contemporary portrait explores the hidden depths of female independence. The artwork captures a pink-haired young woman in a moment of deep introspection, contrasting her wild, untamed spirit with the quiet expectations of modern society. Accompanied by her feline confidant—a light yellow and white cat—she embodies a complex psychological duality.
While her messy, colorful hair and raw gaze whisper of nonconformity, she blends seamlessly into a lush, surreal garden of brilliant abstract flowers. This striking figurative painting poses a silent question about personal boundaries and autonomy, showing a soul that appears tamer by name alone, yet fiercely guards its true freedom in the shadows.
Domesticated by Name Alone
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Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Original gouache and pastels on canvas panel,
Size: A4: 21,0x29,7 cm | 8.27 x 11.69 in
Style: Expressive figurative art / contemporary portrait
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Driven by an underlying sense of movement, the composition thrives on a restless, dynamic energy generated by bold artistic choices. Sharp diagonals and swirling organic shapes cut through the landscape, mirroring the untamed spirit of the female subject. The portrait captures the delicate boundaries of modern anxiety and self-preservation. The figurative artwork features a serene young woman with blue hair, standing enveloped by a dense, swirling landscape of intense, vibrant colors. Her downward gaze and closed posture convey a sense of being completely overwhelmed by the chaotic beauty of her surroundings.
The cascading patterns and fiery red, orange, and yellow hues crowd the frame, symbolizing the heavy pressure of external stimuli on the human mind. Through rich layers of gouache and pastels, the composition poses a silent question about finding psychological peace and emotional autonomy within the noise of a suffocating environment, while the subject remains quietly locked in deep introspection.
There Won't be Shade
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Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Original gouache and pastels on canvas panel,
Size: A4: 21,0x29,7 cm | 8.27 x 11.69 in
Style: Expressive figurative art / contemporary portrait
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In this mixed-media study, the traditional boundaries between form and background are intentionally dissolved through softly blurred contours. The contemporary portrait explores the themes of female identity, hidden presence, and environmental harmony. The painting features a serene young woman standing elegantly in a lime-colored coat and matching hat amidst a dark, moody forest filled with vibrant pink and orange roses. Holding a coral-pink umbrella that seamlessly mirrors the surrounding blossoms, she embodies a witty and theatrical piece of visual camouflage.
This striking figurative artwork beautifully contrasts her cheerful, bright attire with a landscape heavy with shadow. Balancing a calm, composed posture with deep introspection, the female subject navigates her personal boundaries within nature. It is a compelling visual narrative on modern solitude and psychological autonomy, showcasing how true individuality thrives in secret.
The Art of Elegant Camouflage
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Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Original gouache and pastels on canvas panel,
Size: A4: 21,0x29,7 cm | 8.27 x 11.69 in
Style: Expressive figurative art / contemporary portrait
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This expressive gouache contemporary portrait captures a visual narrative of female autonomy, inner calm, and environmental connection. Striking a long, elegant pose that recalls Modigliani’s classic silhouettes, the dark-haired young woman stands as a clean vertical axis amidst an explosion of coral and pink roses. Her abstract dress acts as a clever piece of camouflage, weaving her body seamlessly into the geometry of the lush, vibrant garden.
Holding her salmon-pink umbrella less as a shield against rain and more as a personal boundary marker, the subject gazes off-camera with an unbothered composure. This figurative artwork beautifully balances the warm, bright floral elements with her cool skin tone and smooth dark hair. It is a striking exploration of modern solitude and psychological independence, where the natural world elegantly redecorates itself to match a woman's true wardrobe.
The Botanist’s Soft Rebellion
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Selected Works in Private Collections
Try to Outshine Me
Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Acrylic and pastels on canvas panel,
Size: A4: 21,0x29,7 cm | 8.27 x 11.69 in
Style: Expressive figurative art / contemporary portrait
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This expressive gouache portrait tells a powerful story of compassion, finding extraordinary beauty in ordinary things, and recognizing the grace that surrounds us. By rescuing a turkey—a creature rarely celebrated for its elegance—the subject defies standard conventions of aesthetics and value. It is a visual narrative of mutual liberation and profound appreciation, showcasing a woman's inner strength and emotional autonomy through her choice to elevate and protect a unique, symbolic companion.
Scarlet Roses
Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Acrylic and pastels on canvas panel,
Size: A4: 21,0x29,7 cm | 8.27 x 11.69 in
Style: Expressive figurative art / contemporary portrait
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The contrast between individuality and everyday life, featuring a pink-haired woman in a rustic environment with a turkey, blending traditional surroundings with a dreamlike, dignified presence.
The Reeds
Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Gouache and pastels on paper,
Size: 20,0×20,0 cm | 7.87 × 7.87 in
Style: Expressive figurative art / contemporary portrait
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A visual narrative on female solitude and inner strength, where the female subject stands in quiet defiance within a lush, untamed landscape. The rich layers of gouache and pastels reflect the complex textures of her independence, showing her in perfect harmony with the environment she commands.
The Weight of Festivity
Artist: Aleksandra Ola
Medium: Acrylic and pastels on canvas,
Size: 20,0×20,0 cm | 7.87 × 7.87 in
Style: Expressive figurative art / contemporary portrait
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This piece explores the subtle tension between public celebration and private introspection, highlighting a woman's emotional autonomy amidst a vibrant, chaotic background. The symbolic presence of balloons serves not as a source of joy, but as a gentle weight of expectations she independently navigates.