Susan Kuznitsky

Susan Kuznitsky is a multifaceted artist who specializes in pastels, oils, and various drawing media

Susan Kuznitsky Projects

Plein Air Painting with Pastels

Watch as Susan demonstrates her approach to plein air painting with pastels. Start by choosing a sturdy easel that won’t blow over. Next, quickly sketch out the big positive and negative shapes in your composition with a charcoal pencil. Use pastels to lay in flat areas of color, starting with your darkest colors and adding layers of lighter colors. Then brush over the pastels with a solvent to transform them into a paint-like pigment. Continue to add details and shadows with your pastels, always “layering up to the light” to keep the colors from becoming muddy. When finished, sign your masterpiece!

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About the Artist

Featured Artist Susan Kuznitsky

Susan Kuznitsky is a multifaceted artist who specializes in pastels, oils, and various drawing media. She has taught pastel painting for over three decades both nationally and locally in her hometown of Portland, Oregon. Her work has been exhibited around the country and she is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2018 Painters Showcase and the 2017 American Art Awards. Susan is a member of the American Impressionist Society, Oil Painters of America, and the Pastel Society of America, among others.

Check out Susan’s work at susankuznitsky.com and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.