Mary is an artist of remarkable skill and insight, and I am thrilled to have one of her pieces in my collection. A number of years ago I mentioned to Ms. Vaughn, whom I had known through professional contacts for many years, how much I enjoyed a particular painting on exhibit at the National Gallery of Art in nearby Washington, D.C. The work is entitled “A Young Girl Reading” by Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Imagine my delight, therefore, when a few months later Ms. Vaughn brought to my office an exquisite and exact rendering of the original. (As an aside, I have displayed the painting proudly in my medical office since taking possession of it. By chance, one of my patients was on the staff of the National Gallery and was taken aback by Ms. Vaughn’s uncanny skill in replicating the original. Indeed, he asked to speak to Susan to personally convey his very well qualified amazement at her ability.) Not only is Ms. Vaughn a gifted portrait artist, she is an outstanding individual as well. She is dedicated, intelligent, and a person of unquestioned character and integrity. In short, Mary Susan Vaughn would be a credit to any organization fortunate enough to associate with her. - Robert P. Fields, M.D.
* * * * *
Susan’s work has a vivacity and depth, and a charm unlike that of any artist I have known. She brings genuine passion to her artwork and it is fascinating and truly rewarding to participate as an onlooker in the creative process as she shares her work online with her admirers. Susan supports and provides tremendous encouragement to other artists in the community and is very generous with her time. She is a great encourager and a wonderful inspiration. Her warmth, kindness, and generosity of spirit make her a joy to know. - Nicholas Empson
* * * * *
FYI, we have had a lot of WOWs!!! from everyone that has seen it - Susan Hughes Prestridge (Re: Commission for Certain Uncertainties)
* * * * *
This painting is spectacular! Beautiful work Susan! - Tracy Knight (Re: Commission for Certain Uncertainties)
* * * * *
All I can say is WOW!
Your photos did not do your work justice. It is here safe and sound. Currently sitting upright in its holders on our dining room table.
It looks amazing. ... The guys at the frame shop consider this and your other painting in the top ten pieces they have framed.
* * * * *
Susan,
Chris and I had such a wonderful time meeting you, Bob, your son and grandson (and the dogs)! We’ve had a non-stop week since we got back, but I wanted to get you a couple of photos – not the best quality, but unfortunately, we all only had cell phones the evening we had our informal get together with some of the Admirals in town. The first photo shows seven admirals including Chris (and one female!) in front of America’s Promise. They were all in love with the both paintings. We were lucky to end the evening without America’s Promise being taken off the wall and smuggled out the door with one of them!
The other photos just give you a sense of where the paintings will be going in the house. We hung America’s Promise immediately Sunday and it looks beautiful. The photos don’t do it justice, as you know… in the evening with the light focused on America’s Promise, it is stunning. Our original commission is currently propped up on two chairs under the location it will be hung. You’ll note in the photos the space that we’ll be hanging it, that traverses two floors. It will be amazing. Our home is all windows, so we’ve already had neighbors knocking on our door in the evening as they’re out for a stroll or walking their dogs wanting to come in and see them!
Thank you again for these two beautiful gifts! We’ve already shared your cards with several people!
Shannon and Chris
* * * * *
