Category: Blogue

“Lavender Shadows” 9×12 Pastel

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 stewardship, Susan developed a unique teaching style that remains influential till today.

Following a two-year stint in New York, she returned 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 Richard Schmid, another living master painter.

Her journey throughout the 1980s was marked with personal challenges, including the loss of her first husband to terminal 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 classes and workshops, locally, internationally, and online. 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.

“If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.” ~ Edward Hopper

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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.

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Recent Awards and Juried Shows

2024 – Pastel Artists of Oregon – 3rd Place

2024 _ Northwest Pastel Society – Bill McEnroe Award

2024 – April Boldbrush Painting Competition – Outstanding Pastel

2023 – American Impressionist Society – Award of Excellence

2023 – Pastel Society of the West Coast – Product Award

2023 – Oregon Society of Artists Rose Festival Show – 1st Place

2023 – March Boldbrush Painting Competiton – Outstanding Pastel

2022 – Hilbert Museum of California Art  Voices in Pastels

2022 – West Coast Pastel Society – HK Holbien Award

2021 – Pastel Journal Pastel 100 Edition – 1st Place Portrait and Figurative Category

2020 – Pastel Painters of Oregon International Show – Best of Show

2020 – Northwest Pastel Society – Juror’s Award 

2020 – Oregon Society of Artists Rose Festival Show – Best of Show

2019 Portland Plein Air – 2nd Place

2019 Oregon Society of Artists Rose Festival Show – Best of Show

2018 Painters Showcase Best of Show

2018 Portland Plein Air Best of Show

2017 West Coast Pastel Society Product Award

2017 American Art Awards 5th Place Human Figures Category

2017 Pastel Society of America 45th Juried Show National Arts Club NYC

2017 Northwest Pastel Society Director’s Award

2017 IAPS World Pastel Juried Exhibit 

2017 Southern Oregon Plein Air Artists’ Choice

2017 Southern Oregon Plein Air 3rd Place

2017 Oregon Society of Artists Rose Festival Show 1st Place

2017 UArt 10th Anniversary Online Juried Show

2017 Bold Brush February Outstanding Pastel
2016 Uart Competition Merit Award

2016 Toledo Oregon Plein Air 2nd Place

2016 Paint the Peninsula Invitational Paint Out 3rd Place

 2016 Muse Online Competition Merit Award

2016 Northwest Pastel Society Juror’s Award

2016 Oregon Society of Artists Chosen for Portrait Commission

2016 Washington County Plein Air Honorable Mention
2015 Toledo Oregon Plein Air 2nd Place

2015 Washington County Plein Air Best Nocturne
2014 Yamhill Lavender Plein Air Honorable Mention

2014 Oregon Society of Artists Honorable Mention

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Memberships  

International Association of Pastel Societies – Master Pastelist. 

Oregon Society of Artists – Member and Instructor
Northwest Pastel Society – Signature Member
Chicago Pastel Painters – Honorary Member 

West Coast Pastel Society –Distinguished Pastelist 

Pastel Society of America – Signature Member

Pastel Artists of Oregon – Signature Member

American Impressionist Society – Member

Patterns have always fascinated me, they are everywhere.  The curves and straight lines that nature creates produce phenomenal geometry.

It is a pleasure to your eyes, and by adding natural colors to these patterns, it becomes a beautiful thing to see.

Everything I design is an experiment, and when I build it, sometimes the piece becomes better than I thought it would be.

I love to create the unusual.  The one-of-a-kind pieces that no one else can dream of (except for me!)

I hope you will enjoy a truly unique piece of art, from me to you.

Thank you,

Rich

Wood Notes

The color of each piece you see is dictated by the grain finish of the wood. Different finishes will yield varying results, but my palette of woods below show the wide spectrum of color that nature lends to each piece.

Wood Types & Color Yields

Purple Heart-Purple                Gold Heart-Gold                     Honduran Mohogany-Brown

Philippine Mohogany-Light Brown               Oak-Beige                   Black Walnut-Medium Dark

Peruvian Walnut-Black                      Padauk-Red                Poplar-Green              Maple-White

Douglas Fir-Medium Brown              Hemlock-Medium Brown                   Pine-Medium Yellow

Cocobolo-Red, Orange, Black                       Sycamore-White                     Hickory-White

Cherry-Medium Brown                      Alder-Light Brown                 Bubinga-Green

Hand Carved Wood Art

Original, one-of-a-kind woodwork created by Larry & Linda Gonzales.

When we moved to Washington, Larry took up relief carving, and Linda helped design the piece and color it. We create our carvings from nature found in the marine world of the Olympic Peninsula.

Our pieces capture moments in time in a way that brings an infusion of the Strait of Juan de Fuca into the home. We work together to interpret the scenes wanting to embody the wood slabs. It’s an intuitive process with a scene oftentimes changing throughout the process. Each sculpture is designed out of one piece of wood and is one of a kind.

We prefer local woods that grow here in the Pacific Northwest such as: red and yellow cedar, birch, maple, alder and madrone.

Frequently found on a daily beach walk, we leave ourselves open for inspiration to strike from the natural world.

“The Pacific Northwest has endless inspiration.”

JPaws Glass and Wood

Lynda and Peter Tartaglino live in Sequim with their 2 great danes and 2 sphynx cats, Jessee, Jaymee, Jonesee and Joee = JPaws the name of their studio.  Lynda’s passion is designing and making fused glass art.  Peter spends his time in his woodworking shop. They are our Featured Artists this month! Be sure to check us out on First Friday Sequim

Lynda has had a lifelong love of glass.  She started collecting pieces over 40 years ago from different artists and started her own studio when she and Peter retired.  She now enjoys her love of glass on a daily basis in her small studio.

Lynda started her glass journey with a torch making custom glass beads.  She then moved on to fused art glass work.  She specializes in hearts and small framed art but also makes glass boxes, mushrooms and jewelry.

Most of Lynda’s pieces are made using Bullseye glass as it offers a variety of beautiful colors and options.  Creating glass art is such a passion of Lynda’s and she loves being able to share it with others.

Peter is a woodworking hobbyist who has been an active woodworker for the past 18 years.  Since his retirement in 2012 he has made woodworking a full-time activity.  Peter earned a Certificate in Furniture Making from Cerritos College, Cerritos (Los Angeles County) California.

Peter enjoys using different domestic and exotic woods for his projects.  The variety of mediums allows him to learn the differences and challenges of each species.  To date he has used over 30 various species.  These aspects are demonstrated in his variety of work which includes but are not limited to medium to small jewelry and storage boxes, cutting and charcuterie boards and cheese/cracker boards.

We hope you enjoy their story and art as much as we do here at La Petite Maison Blanche!

Courtesy of Panier des Sens.com

Lavender, known for its calming scent and delicate purple flowers, has a rich history deeply rooted in the Mediterranean region. Revered by ancient civilizations like the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians, it held various symbolic and practical uses.

The plant’s name derives from the Latin word “lavare” meaning “to wash,” highlighting its historical role in cleansing rituals. The Egyptians, for instance, used Lavender in their embalming process, and the lavender flower was often associated with purification and healing.

The Greeks called it « Nardus » after the Syrian city of Naarda, and it was mentioned in their literature and medicine. Lavender’s therapeutic qualities were appreciated by both the Greeks and the Romans.

During the Roman era, lavender became a symbol of luxury and relaxation. They used it to scent baths and clothes. Lavender’s popularity spread across Europe in the Middle Ages, where it was used for medicinal and culinary purposes and became a symbol of cleanliness and refinement.

Today, lavender is cultivated worldwide, with countries like France, Bulgaria, and England being renowned for their lavender fields. Lavender’s popularity endures, with its essence widely utilized in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and culinary ventures, showcasing its timeless allure and versatility.

Embracing the Beauty of Lavender

Lavender has undoubtedly earned its place in the realm of cosmetics. Its numerous benefits for the skin, coupled with its delightful aroma, make it a sought-after ingredient in a wide range of products. From lavender-infused lotions and creams to shampoos and perfumes, there are countless ways to incorporate this magnificent herb into your beauty routine. Whether you enjoy the relaxation it brings or the rejuvenation it offers, lavender is sure to enhance your self-care rituals.

Learn About the History of Lavender in Sequim!

How One Small Town Became the ‘Lavender Capital of North America’ (treehugger.com)

We have combined two of our favorite products, Moonstruck Hot Cocoa from Portland, Oregon and Mount Mansfield Pure Maple Cream from Vermont to create a truly decadent hot cocoa, combining cinnamon, maple and of course, chocolate.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tbsp Moonstruck Cinnamon Milk Chocolate
• 8 oz hot milk
• 1 tsp Mount Mansfield Pure Maple Cream (for the mixture)
• 1 tsp Mount Mansfield Pure Maple Cream (to drizzle over the top)
• Heavy cream whipped into stiff peaks
• OR your favorite marshmallow for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

• Add chocolate and milk together until combined.
• Stir in 1 tsp maple cream.
• Top with whipped cream or marshmallows and drizzle with 1 tsp (or more!) maple cream.

French Hot Chocolate

French Hot Chocolate, La Chocoat Chaud, is a true indulgence and so well worth it! Unlike traditional American varieties, it’s not made from cocoa powder but instead it uses a mixture of, milk, heavy cream and real chocolate. The difference in ingredients creates an intense, rich flavor and a lovely thick consistency. 

Le Chocolat Chaud is meant for slow sipping on cold Winter nights!

INGREDIENTS

• 6 oz unsweetened chopped chocolate
• ½ cup water
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream whipped into stiff peaks
• 6 cups whole milk

INSTRUCTIONS

• Add chocolate and water to a small pot on low heat and stir until chocolate melts and is completely smooth.
• Stir in sugar and salt over low heat.  Continue to heat and stir for abut 4 minutes or until it is pretty thick then remove from heat and allow to cool.
• Fold the chocolate into whipped cream and set in the refrigerator.  When ready to serve, add two heaping tablespoons of chocolate cream mixture to a mug then fill it with hot milk.

NOTES

Store the leftover French hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  To reheat, use a microwave or a saucepan on low heat.

We are all about easy and these brownies are the best of both worlds, fudgy brownie and gooey s’mores!

Ingredients

• 1 16oz box of your favorite brownie mix
• Water, vegetable oil and egg called for on brownie mix box
• 2 cups mini or chopped flavored marshmallows
• 8 graham cracker squares, broken into small pieces
• 2+! chocolate bars of your choice, broken into small (or big😊) pieces

Instructions

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease bottom of 9-inch square pan with shortening or cooking spray. Make and bake brownies as directed on box. After removing pan from oven, set oven control to broil.

• Immediately sprinkle marshmallows and graham crackers over warm brownies. Broil with top 4 to 5 inches from heat 30 to 60 seconds or until marshmallows are golden brown. (Watch carefully; marshmallows and graham crackers will brown quickly.) Sprinkle with chocolate. Cool on cooling rack, about 3 hours until chocolate is set. Cut into 4 rows by 4 rows.

• Feel like glamming it up for Christmas?  Sprinkle ground up candy canes over the melting chocolate!

This fudge is almost too easy to make and foolproof. The best part is that you can add almost anything you want to jazz it up! In this case, I’m adding chopped flavored marshmallows…yum!

Ingredients

• 1 14 oz Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1 12 oz Bag Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• Your own add-ins such as nuts, chopped or mini marshmallows, dried cherries or flavored baking chips…let your imagination run wild!

Instructions

• First line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• Next in a medium or large microwave safe mixing bowl combine the chocolate chips with the condensed milk.
• Microwave the chocolate chips and condensed milk in 30 second intervals, mixing with a rubber spatula in between until melted.
• Once melted, continue mixing for a few minutes until a satiny finish begins to appear (this means the fudge is beginning to cool slightly) then fold in your ingredients.
• OR…you can simply leave the extra ingredients out for a pure chocolate creamy consistency.

There is so much more to do with hot cocoa powder, of all flavors, than just making a cozy cup of cocoa. How about quick and easy Hot Cocoa Cookies to accompany that cuppa?

Easy Hot Cocoa Cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Box Chocolate Cake Mix
• 6 tbsp hot cocoa mix (any flavor)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 Eggs
• ½ Cup Crisco® or coconut oil
• Mini or chopped marshmallows for decorating, if desired

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Mix dry ingredients together, then add wet ingredients to dry mixture. Stir until everything is wet and mixed well.
• Put in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
• Place parchment paper on cookie sheet. Drop balled tablespoons of cookie dough onto the parchment paper.
• Bake for 9 minutes.
• Gently press 2-3 marshmallows into each cookie.
• Bake an additional 2-3 minutes.