Joseph Plaskett (1918–2014) was one of Canada’s most respected painters, renowned for his richly expressive still lifes, floral arrangements, and domestic interiors. A lifelong devotee of the pastel medium, Plaskett elevated it to new artistic heights, using it not just for its softness, but to build luminous, emotionally charged compositions. His work often explores quiet, contemplative scenes with layered color, gentle abstraction, and a sense of intimacy that draws the viewer in.

After studying with Clyfford Still and Hans Hofmann, Plaskett moved to Paris, where he spent much of his life developing a style that combined classical structure with a modern sensibility. His pastels are especially prized for their confidence, subtlety, and ability to capture light in an almost painterly way—making them highly collectible among Canadian and international audiences alike.

His work is represented in major collections including the National Gallery of Canada, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2001, he later founded the Joseph Plaskett Foundation, which continues to support emerging Canadian painters. Today, Plaskett’s pastels remain in strong demand, particularly those from his Paris years, which reflect the full maturity of his artistic voice.