Artist of the Day, June 22, 2024: Suzanne Zielinski, an American painter, pastelist. (#2067)

 Suzanne Zielinski (1953) specializes in creating original paintings almost exclusively in Pastel.  Her pastels comprise a variety of subjects including: landscape, still-life, the figure and works painted En Plein Air, meaning “in the Open Air”. Nature is often her source and she says that she is at her most content when “ankle deep in a grassy field or with my toes in the sand painting from life.”

Suzanne, the youngest of 4 children. They grew up in Atlanta Georgia, then at 14 she went to live with her father in Houston Texas where she graduated High School. After High school she lived in Louisiana, Tennessee and finally on to Florida.  In the late ‘80’s, Suzanne spent almost 2 years on the road traveling, living in her car, and couch surfing all over the southeast. It was during that adventurous time that Suzanne was first introduced to pastels.

Finally in 1991, living in Leesburg Florida, Suzanne became friends with Donna Tweedle, a talented watercolorist and pastelist.  Donna became her mentor and gave her a set of soft pastels as a gift. That first set of Rembrandt pastels and the discovery of sanded paper, inspired Suzanne to devote her time to learning and growing her talent in this fascinating and colorful medium.

In 2010, Suzanne and Donna co-founded the Pastel Society of Central Florida (PSCF). A thriving art association, the society is dedicated to promoting Pastel as a Fine Art medium. The group, now in its 14th year, is part of the International Association of Pastel Societies, which links members to hundreds of Pastel Societies throughout the world.  PSCF continues to bring world class pastel workshops and bi-annual Members Exhibits to Central Florida.

A departure from her pastels, in 2018, Suzanne was selected to paint a mural in downtown Leesburg, Florida.   The 9` x 18` work, titled “Citrus Belle and Venetian Gardens”, is a tribute to showcase the importance of the Citrus industry in Leesburg as well as the famous Venetian Gardens. The mural honors selected works by acclaimed Leesburg Artist and historical muralist, Henderson “Sid” Smith.

Another aspect of Suzannes work are quick sketches.  She has been sketching for years, taking her drawing pads everywhere she goes.  Using ink, pencil or watercolor, her drawings and doodles often depict musicians, bartenders, servers and bystanders.  The “good” ones she often gives away to her unaware muses. In 2020 during the pandemic, she began using her sketches as references to create full color pastels. By not using photo references, she realized the works was creating were more fluid, holding the movement of the quick sketch to create compelling completed works.

Much of Suzannes art is held by private collectors, however, her Home Gallery and Studio is open by appointment to individuals or parties of up to 8 guests.  Her collection includes more than 60 framed originals as well as prints and her many sketches.  In addition, she does commission work and offers lessons in Pastel as private or small group classes, workshops and demos.

© 2024. All content on this blog is protected by international copyright laws All images are copyrighted © by Suzanne Zielinski or assignee. Apart from fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, the use of any image from this site is prohibited unless prior written permission is obtained. All images used for illustrative purposes only

 Ms. Suzanne Zielinski

Work in progress

North Calorina Autumn

#10 Canal

Monkey Island and the Moon

Miranda

Miranda Madison, Sketch from Life

Leesburg Twilight

Peeking Thru

Rhapsody In Blue

Sunset at Fishcamp

The Hideaway Detail

The Hideaway Detail

The Hideaway Detail

Trout Lake En Plein Air

Twilight

Wine Down Wednesday

Flamingos Afoot

Ebb Tide

Dusk

Decolletage, Beginning Process

Decolletage

Contemplating Next Move

Chaos En Rose Original Sketch

Chaos En Rose

Brown Eyed Suzys

Backward Glance

Amaryllis Red