Susan Kuznitsky: Simplifying a Complex Subject and Dappled Light

This program is made possible through the combined efforts of the Pastel Society of Australia, Pastel Society of Victoria, and The Colour Circle, collaborating to bring high-quality pastel events across Australia.

Duration: 2 days

Join award-winning artist Susan Kuznitsky for a two-day workshop. The focus will be on capturing the light. No matter the season or the subject, it is the light that draws us in. Whether you are a landscape painter or figurative painter you will benefit from this highly popular workshop. We will be focusing on different aspects of colour as well as different approaches to the underpainting. You will have the option to paint along from the same image or work from your own reference. There will be time for personal and constructive feedback during the course.

This class is appropriate for all levels of skill.  Each day will begin with demo. 

Learn about:

• Colour and Relativity – how colour is influenced by the colour around it.

• Painting ‘white’ – how to create colourful whites in your paintings.

• Chroma – how to use the power of strong colour without over doing it. 

More things to be covered:

• The power of the underpainting

• Working from photos – what to leave in and what to leave out

• Drawing tips – line, rhythm, negative shapes

• Gridding your reference photo

• Lost and found edges

• Colour and value

• Mark making

• Organising your pastels in studio and for plein air

Expected Outcomes

• Students should have more confidence in making good choices.

• Better understanding of creating a strong underpainting.

• Insights on how to handle complex subjects and dappled light. 

• A better understanding of value and chroma.

• All while having fun!

Materials List

Tutor Information

Susan Kuznitsky (PSA, NWPS, CPP, PSWC-DP, IAPS MC) is an internationally recognised artist and educator whose career spans decades of professional painting and teaching across the USA and internationally.

Born in Chicago, Susan trained at the American Academy of Art before working as a professional portrait artist. Her artistic journey was profoundly influenced by Master Artist Albert Handell, under whom she refined her pastel and oil techniques and developed her distinctive teaching approach.

Inspired by the Impressionists and driven by a lifelong pursuit of light, atmosphere and emotional expression, Susan’s work captures the lyrical rhythm of nature and human experience. Today, she continues to teach workshops and classes both in-person and online, sharing her passion, technical mastery, and deeply personal artistic philosophy with students worldwide.

Susan believes painting is a language of its own — one that communicates beauty, mood, and meaning beyond words.

Website: https://www.susankuznitsky.com/

Email: susankuznitsky@gmail.com

Cancellations and Refunds Policy

1. Introduction

The PSA is committed to a fair and transparent process for you, our members and guests. Please read this policy carefully before you finalise your booking.

2. Order Cancellations

2.1 Customer-Initiated Cancellations

You may cancel your booking by emailing treasurerozpastels@gmail.com. Please do not call us. If you cancel within one week of the event, you are generally not eligible for a full refund, but we may offer a partial credit toward future purchases,

valid for 12 months.

2.2 PSA-Initiated Cancellations

The PSA may cancel an event due to tutor illness, poor weather, or other circumstances beyond our control. The PSA will try to provide alternatives so you still get value for your fees, or we will issue a full refund within 48 hours, or a credit note if you prefer.

3. Refunds

3.1 Eligibility for Refunds

You may be eligible for a refund or credit note under Australian Consumer Law or PSA policy in the following circumstances:

• The event is cancelled. We make every effort to notify you as soon as

• possible.

• No alternative arrangement offered by PSA suits your circumstances.

• Emergency ill health requiring isolation or hospitalisation.

• Unexpected illness or death of a family member.

• Unexpected travel disruptions, such as flight cancellations; in these cases, a

• credit note toward future purchases within 12 months may be offered.

• Your place in the event can be taken by another person, either from a waitlist

• or if you find a substitute yourself.

• Other circumstances as required by law.

Refunds do not cover travel or accommodation costs. Please ensure your bookings are refundable and consider travel insurance.

3.2 Refund Process

We will refund you using the same method you used to pay within 48 hours of cancellation. If you paid by bank transfer, you may need to provide your banking details. For credit card payments made more than 90 days before the event, refunds may be issued by bank transfer.

3.3 Partial Refunds

Partial refunds may be offered at PSA’s discretion. This may take the form of a credit note toward future purchases within 12 months.

4. Change of Mind

We do not provide refunds for change of mind unless Australian Consumer Law requires it. Please check your calendar before booking, as double bookings are your responsibility.

5. Policy Updates

PSA may update this policy from time to time to reflect operational or legal changes. The latest version is always available on our website. This policy is governed by Australian law.