Pastel Society of NC

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Susan Panzarella

Inspired by her father, a Chicago architect, Susan has focused on creating art since her early teens. She began a lifelong pursuit of painting after studying at the Art Institute in Chicago. Specializing in oils and pastels portraiture, she also creates landscapes, florals and still lifes and is constantly fascinated by color and the transfer of light.

Susan spent 25 years in California and had the opportunity to study Life Drawing and Anatomy at Long Beach City College under the tutelage of Michael Daniel and, soon after, concentrated on the art of portraiture. She continued her studies with Daniel Greene, Ramon Kelly, Chuck Hammond, Michael Shane Neil and Robert E. Wood in various workshops.

In her paintings, Susan conveys her own philosophy of art and loves to explore the complexities of color, engaging collectors with uplifting paintings, filled with the harmony of vitality. While striving for truth in her work, she believes that “perfection is the enemy of great art.” Since a single brushstroke can convey volumes in a painting, Susan is inspired by John Singer Sargeant and Edgar Degas.

Her work has received many Awards of Merit, consistently over the last 18 years and her paintings hang in many art collections in the U.S. and Scotland. She is a member of the Portrait Society of America, and in Charlotte, N.C. participates in the Piedmont Pastel Society, the Pastel Society of North Carolina, the Cabarrus Art Guild and the Mint Hill Art Guild. She lives in Charlotte with her husband, Greg, and their two Australian cattle dogs.

click on the thumbnail pictures below to see the full painting

Upcoming Zoom Presentations for 2023

April 8th – Terrilynn Dubreuil
May 13th – Fred Fielding
June 10th – Regina Burchette
July 8 – Jane Steelman: “How to manage your PSNC google page”

Each meeting will from 10 am – Noon US Eastern Time

See more information about our programs.

Membership Information

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Shows / Workshops

6th Annual PURE COLOR: Online International Juried Exhibition of Pastel Paintings
View the online exhibit.



Two Upcoming PSNC Member Shows at Ambleside Gallery and the Imperial Arts Center
See more details.

View all upcoming shows.

Recent News / Announcements

If you are a current PSNC member and want to share your news, fill out the form here.

Member News, Kim M. Long

“Lazy Bun” Paint-Along, on Zoom, with Rita Kirkman

Celebration of Life Service for Helen Knapp

Member News, Betty Hendrix

“Fun with Feathers!” Paint-Along with Rita Kirkman, on Zoom

Arizona Pastel Artists Association’s 2023 Open International Exhibition

“Don Keyfurry” Paint-Along with Rita Kirkman, on Zoom

© 2023 Pastel Society of North Carolina | 909 Fairgreen Road Greensboro, NC 27410