Profile of Long Island Based Artist C.S. Lassen
Long Island based artist C.S. Lassen, whose primary medium is classical oil paintings on canvas, specializes in commissioned works of reproduced and original pieces of fine art. When asked by a collector or a new patron to create a work of art, Lassen always exceeds their expectations.
“What I’m to do with their idea,” stated Lassen, “is to take it to the level beyond what they imagined and create a piece of art for either their home or business that they’ll not only have for a lifetime, but hopefully
as a family heirloom or as an investment piece.”
For instance, Steve Jones, director of the Long Island Maritime Museum in Sayville, recently commissioned Lassen to decorate trash cans on the museum’s property. Lassen, taking the idea to the next level, pointed out, “He [Jones] didn’t know what I was going to do with his original idea.” Instead of merely decorating the rusty, yellow trashcans with some simple, colorful boats, he reproduced famous pieces of art on them.
“I took the classical Winslow Homer painting, and an Edward Hopper painting, and a Turner painting—using exterior rustoleum paint—and turned these cans into canvas,” remarked Lassen.
While he takes his work seriously, Lassen also enjoys when people admire his fine art. “The greatest compliment to me is a sale…to create something and have someone else own it.”
Lassen, whose real name is Chris Schmidt, uses the pseudonym C.S. Lassen in homage to his mother’s family name and to the training he
received from his parents. Although his mother attended Columbia University on an art scholarship, where she met Salvador Dali, his father, an industrial designer, studied under the Franciscan monks and attended the Art Institute of Chicago.
“During World War II,” stated Lassen, “he painted overseas in France for the morale of the soldiers. He painted as a muralist.”
Lassen began to express his and his parents’ interest in art from a very early age.
“They tell me I was drawing in my high chair at the age of two.”
Even though he attended Nassau Community College, where he won numerous art awards, most of his training was done under the tutelage of his
father from a very early age. During his training, he learned the importance of technique and skill. Rather than focusing solely on concept, Lassen’s artwork demonstrates his mastery of style, brushwork, color and composition.
“It’s been drilled into my mind that…if you have the skill, show it. Flaunt it.”
Although his primary focus is on commissioned pieces, Lassen also finds the time to create personal works. He is currently working on a series of cityscapes.
“The colors [of the cityscapes] are jewel-like. The colors are rich and heavy and glowy.”
Finally, understanding the importance of his ability to make a living, Lassen ultimately understands that his work also serves a greater purpose.
“Art matters, even more so today than ever. We’re in the age of technology and social media. It’s quick and easy…we can’t lose the beauty of your hand and your eye. The humanity of art has to be preserved…It’s part of being human.”
“What I’m to do with their idea,” stated Lassen, “is to take it to the level beyond what they imagined and create a piece of art for either their home or business that they’ll not only have for a lifetime, but hopefully
as a family heirloom or as an investment piece.”
For instance, Steve Jones, director of the Long Island Maritime Museum in Sayville, recently commissioned Lassen to decorate trash cans on the museum’s property. Lassen, taking the idea to the next level, pointed out, “He [Jones] didn’t know what I was going to do with his original idea.” Instead of merely decorating the rusty, yellow trashcans with some simple, colorful boats, he reproduced famous pieces of art on them.
“I took the classical Winslow Homer painting, and an Edward Hopper painting, and a Turner painting—using exterior rustoleum paint—and turned these cans into canvas,” remarked Lassen.
While he takes his work seriously, Lassen also enjoys when people admire his fine art. “The greatest compliment to me is a sale…to create something and have someone else own it.”
Lassen, whose real name is Chris Schmidt, uses the pseudonym C.S. Lassen in homage to his mother’s family name and to the training he
received from his parents. Although his mother attended Columbia University on an art scholarship, where she met Salvador Dali, his father, an industrial designer, studied under the Franciscan monks and attended the Art Institute of Chicago.
“During World War II,” stated Lassen, “he painted overseas in France for the morale of the soldiers. He painted as a muralist.”
Lassen began to express his and his parents’ interest in art from a very early age.
“They tell me I was drawing in my high chair at the age of two.”
Even though he attended Nassau Community College, where he won numerous art awards, most of his training was done under the tutelage of his
father from a very early age. During his training, he learned the importance of technique and skill. Rather than focusing solely on concept, Lassen’s artwork demonstrates his mastery of style, brushwork, color and composition.
“It’s been drilled into my mind that…if you have the skill, show it. Flaunt it.”
Although his primary focus is on commissioned pieces, Lassen also finds the time to create personal works. He is currently working on a series of cityscapes.
“The colors [of the cityscapes] are jewel-like. The colors are rich and heavy and glowy.”
Finally, understanding the importance of his ability to make a living, Lassen ultimately understands that his work also serves a greater purpose.
“Art matters, even more so today than ever. We’re in the age of technology and social media. It’s quick and easy…we can’t lose the beauty of your hand and your eye. The humanity of art has to be preserved…It’s part of being human.”