Susan Kuznitsky
[email protected]
503-519-8187
www.susankuznitsky.com
Recent Paintings
Sunlit Moment ‐ Pastel ‐ 12 x 9 ‐ On Hold ‐ $1,200.00 USD
Stormy Sunset ‐ Pastel ‐ 10 x 18 ‐ Available ‐ $450 USD
Harbor Sunset’ 12 x 18 $750.00P
Portrait of Tim ‐ Pastel ‐ 10 x 8 ‐ Available ‐ $450.00 USD
Bio
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Susan Kuznitsky was predisposed towards art from an early age. Raised in the suburb of Wilmette, her creativity was both nurtured and encouraged by her parents who spotted her potential during her high school years. Through their supportive actions, Susan was able to explore her talent at the Village Art School, under the tutelage of the acclaimed Western Artist, the late Joe Abbrecia. It was here that she was exposed to a traditional art curriculum, working primarily with charcoal, oil, and watercolors.
After graduating from high school, Susan further honed her skills at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Her postgraduate journey introduced her to the dynamic world of freelance portrait artistry, where she worked for a Chicago-based chain of department stores. The subsequent four years were not only formative but also instrumental in shaping Susan's career as it offered her the necessary 'on the-job' training in creating live 25-minute portraits.
It was also around this time that she fell in love with the Impressionists while exploring the Art Institute in downtown Chicago during her time at the academy. Particularly inspired by pastels of that era, Susan made a life-altering decision to move to Woodstock, New York, to learn from Master Artist Albert Handell, who fortunately needed a studio assistant around the same time.
This encounter undeniably had a long-lasting impression on Susan. Handell not only introduced her to the nuances of pastels and oils but also the art of teaching. Under his mentoring, Susan developed a unique teaching style that remains influential till today.
Following a two-year stint in New York, shereturned to Chicago, opening her own studio where she held workshops and classes. This step marked the beginning of a series of traveling and teaching engagements across the U.S. While back in Chicago, she had a memorable time painting at the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art with the late Richard Schmid, another master painter.
Her journey throughout the 1980s was marked with personal challenges, including the loss of her first husband to cancer. However, rather than being overwhelmed by grief, these trials deepened her desire to experience life fully and to express this raw emotion through her painting.
In the early 1990s, Susan remarried and relocated to the Pacific Northwest with her husband, where they started a family. Despite the responsibilities of raising two boys, Susan's love for painting prevailed. She continued to create art and teach, but sadly, her husband passed away suddenly at the end of 2017. Through the years of joy and grief, art has been Susan’s constant solace.
Today, Susan professionally pursues her passion for art, teaching in-person and online classes and workshops, locally and internationally, Her extraordinary journey, passion, and resilience set her apart, making her art not just unique but also deeply empathetic and moving. A testament to her skills and personal narrative, she remains active and committed to her craft, a lifeline that has seen her through life's challenges and triumphs.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Susan Kuznitsky was predisposed towards art from an early age. Raised in the suburb of Wilmette, her creativity was both nurtured and encouraged by her parents who spotted her potential during her high school years. Through their supportive actions, Susan was able to explore her talent at the Village Art School, under the tutelage of the acclaimed Western Artist, the late Joe Abbrecia. It was here that she was exposed to a traditional art curriculum, working primarily with charcoal, oil, and watercolors.
After graduating from high school, Susan further honed her skills at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Her postgraduate journey introduced her to the dynamic world of freelance portrait artistry, where she worked for a Chicago-based chain of department stores. The subsequent four years were not only formative but also instrumental in shaping Susan's career as it offered her the necessary 'on the-job' training in creating live 25-minute portraits.
It was also around this time that she fell in love with the Impressionists while exploring the Art Institute in downtown Chicago during her time at the academy. Particularly inspired by pastels of that era, Susan made a life-altering decision to move to Woodstock, New York, to learn from Master Artist Albert Handell, who fortunately needed a studio assistant around the same time.
This encounter undeniably had a long-lasting impression on Susan. Handell not only introduced her to the nuances of pastels and oils but also the art of teaching. Under his mentoring, Susan developed a unique teaching style that remains influential till today.
Following a two-year stint in New York, shereturned to Chicago, opening her own studio where she held workshops and classes. This step marked the beginning of a series of traveling and teaching engagements across the U.S. While back in Chicago, she had a memorable time painting at the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art with the late Richard Schmid, another master painter.
Her journey throughout the 1980s was marked with personal challenges, including the loss of her first husband to cancer. However, rather than being overwhelmed by grief, these trials deepened her desire to experience life fully and to express this raw emotion through her painting.
In the early 1990s, Susan remarried and relocated to the Pacific Northwest with her husband, where they started a family. Despite the responsibilities of raising two boys, Susan's love for painting prevailed. She continued to create art and teach, but sadly, her husband passed away suddenly at the end of 2017. Through the years of joy and grief, art has been Susan’s constant solace.
Today, Susan professionally pursues her passion for art, teaching in-person and online classes and workshops, locally and internationally, Her extraordinary journey, passion, and resilience set her apart, making her art not just unique but also deeply empathetic and moving. A testament to her skills and personal narrative, she remains active and committed to her craft, a lifeline that has seen her through life's challenges and triumphs.
Figurative & Still Life
Summer Garden ‐ Pastel ‐ 14 x 10 ‐ Available ‐ $1,200.00 USD
Afternoon in the Garden ‐ Pastel ‐ 12 x 12 ‐ Available ‐ $550.00 USD
Little Artists ‐ Pastel ‐ 14 x 20 ‐ Available ‐ $1,500.00 USD
Summer Days ‐ Pastel ‐ 11 x 14 ‐ Available ‐ $650.00 USD
Forgotten Man ‐ Pastel ‐ 12 x 15 ‐ Available ‐ $550.00 USD
Bali ‐ Pastel ‐ Archival Sanded Paper ‐ 16 x 20 ‐ Available $1200.00 USD
Artist statement
As an artist, I find solace in the belief that words often fail to capture the true essence of our existence. I am convinced that painting possesses a language of its own. It is through my brushstrokes, mark making and color that I strive to communicate the beauty that surrounds us.
When it comes to selecting my subject matter, I pursue something deeper than mere appearances. I seek the elusive dance between light and shadow, a captured mood that resonates with the viewer's soul. For me, the subject matter comes second.
What truly captivates me is the lyrical rhythm that permeates nature and human beings alike. The world pulsates with a symphony of beauty, waiting to be discovered and translated onto my canvas or paper. It is this innate search for harmony and grace that draws me to a particular scene, fueling my creative spirit to capture these fleeting moments.
In the end, my artist's statement goes beyond words. It encapsulates a longing to capture what lies beyond language, offering a visual experience that transcends mere description. Through my art, I hope to ignite that spark within others, to stir their souls, and to leave behind a legacy of beauty that echoes through time.
As an artist, I find solace in the belief that words often fail to capture the true essence of our existence. I am convinced that painting possesses a language of its own. It is through my brushstrokes, mark making and color that I strive to communicate the beauty that surrounds us.
When it comes to selecting my subject matter, I pursue something deeper than mere appearances. I seek the elusive dance between light and shadow, a captured mood that resonates with the viewer's soul. For me, the subject matter comes second.
What truly captivates me is the lyrical rhythm that permeates nature and human beings alike. The world pulsates with a symphony of beauty, waiting to be discovered and translated onto my canvas or paper. It is this innate search for harmony and grace that draws me to a particular scene, fueling my creative spirit to capture these fleeting moments.
In the end, my artist's statement goes beyond words. It encapsulates a longing to capture what lies beyond language, offering a visual experience that transcends mere description. Through my art, I hope to ignite that spark within others, to stir their souls, and to leave behind a legacy of beauty that echoes through time.
Landscapes - Studio & Plein Air
Greenhouse Glory ‐ Pastel ‐ 14 x 20 ‐ Available ‐ $1,800.00 USD
Quiet Life ‐ Pastel ‐ Archival Sanded Paper ‐ 12 x 16 ‐ Available ‐ $1,200.00 USD
Online Mentoring
Mentoring sessions - $95 - One hour mentoring sessions are available. This is a great option if you want an in-depth look at your work and assessment of your direction. We will review your work and this will be followed by targeted skill building 'homework'. Meeting times will be agreed upon when you book a session. Email me to schedule a time and for payment information.
Demos
I have created three demo videos in my new role as a Product Ambassador for Blick Art Materials. Visit my Blick Featured Artist Page where you can see my supply list for each demo and you can shop directly . (Please note: If you choose to shop through the my Blick page, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.)
