About the Artist

I think I must have been born with a paintbrush in hand and an enthusiasm for color and fine art from a very early age. As a child, my artwork hung on everything from refrigerators to walls, from elementary school classrooms to neighbor's basement walls and beyond. I had an elderly neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, who lived alone and would give me a "Mary Jane" candy for every piece of artwork I would bring over to her. I stocked up on "Mary Jane's" and Mrs. Johnson stocked up on my childhood artwork.

Academics: My higher academic studies were Paralegal studies at Nova University in Florida and  International Business and Law at Georgetown University, during a time in the 90s when I thought I was going to be a lawyer, and the Academy of Art University when I finally decided that being an artist was my calling.

I also took art courses at the Maryland College of Art and Design. However, it has been my years of self-study, copying Master paintings, taking workshops, learning from master artists, and reading from my art book collection that has been my most fulfilling educational experience as an artist.

Inspiration: I believe it takes a lifetime to develop an artistic skill and so, I began by copying the masters I loved, taking frequent workshops from artists I looked up to, and a few college courses in art, all the time working on my artistic skills and developing my personality on canvas.

I have studied under the inspiration and tutelage of living masters such as Richard Schmid and Dan Schultz, just to name a few, and have extensively studied the works of masters Helen VanWyk, Edward Hopper, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Mary Cassatt, Lilla Cabot Perry, Winslow Homer, and Elisabeth-Louise Vegee-Lebrun.

Always the perpetual student, I continue to grow and develop my mastery of oil and pastel painting, while caring for my family.

In my professional career since 1995, I have become an accomplished artist, selling my paintings to collectors as far away as Italy and Paris, and to many collectors throughout the United States. My work can also be found in a number of corporate collections and business establishments. I have had a number of successful one-woman exhibits and have won recognition in a number of Artist competitions. 

In 2019, my painting "Hauling in the Spring Line" was accepted into the U.S. Navy Museum Network, which also includes the Pentagon.  It joined the Navy for 2 years, and traveled and exhibited in multiple Navy Museums in the United States .  I was also exhibited in the Pentagon for a short stint.  I am so very honored to be recognized for my work in one of this country's finest museums.

I consider myself to be an accomplished entrepreneur and blogger.  My personal blog, Raisin Toast, has provided me an opportunity to connect with other women, creatives, and mothers around the globe, and has won a number of awards for my content and design.  Raisin Toast has stories about my artwork, family, new home build, reflection, being a grand parent, and also some quilting and sewing stories.  It is my life in a nutshell.  You can visit my Raisin Toast blog at https://raisin-toast.com

Artist Organizations

Oil Painters of America

American Artists Professional League

Christians in Portraiture

NC Arts & Science Council

Union County Community Arts Council  

Other Organizations I am Proud to be a Member of

The Mega Foundation - The Ultranet

The Mensa Society

Phi Alpha Delta  

I live with my family in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, where I offer the occasional art workshop to fellow artist lovers in the area.

Susan's Websites:

Mary Susan Vaughn Fine Art

Raisin Toast

Bearfoot Mountain Quilts

"Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such"

- Henry Miller

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UNASHAMED

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of His. I won't look back, give up, slow down, step away, be still, or be silent.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure in His arms. I'm finished and done with living low, walking past the needy, planning selfishly, smooth knees, colorless dreams, shallow visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and unreachable goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded.

I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, lift my soul thru prayer, and labor with His glorious power and grace.

My face will smile upon His creation, my gait will be strong and forthright, my goal is Heaven. My road may be narrow, my way may be rough, my companions may be few. But, I will know that my Guide is reliable and my mission is clear. I am here to bring joy to my Creator.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, or let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me – my banner will be clear.

-- Author Unknown

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We All Begin Our Life's Adventure and Discover Our Passion Somewhere ...

I hope you discover your passion and the gift of God's glory in your life -

Mary Susan Vaughn