- BORN and raised in New Jersey, a Quaker descendant of Betsy Ross, Mike displayed an early interest in the art of
the portrait. Encouraged by his mother and educated at George School and Rollins College, he drew numerous
likenesses of family, friends and famous people as a hobby, before making his first entrepreneurial portrait effort as
a teenager in a hometown barber shop displaying portraits of Paul Newman, Frank Sinatra and Winston Churchill.
BOOKS INSTEAD OF TV: A Central Florida resident since 1971, Mike won awards for his work and gained
clients by participating in local art shows from 1975 to 1987. In 1977, inspired by the discovery of Everett Raymond
Kinstler's book Painting Portraits, Mike realized for the first time that it was possible to earn a living as a professional
portrait artist. He next made the decision to stop watching TV altogether from 1978 to 1984, in order to spend all
spare time reading and studying from books, drawing and painting portraits from life, attending portrait seminars,
setting up a north light studio in his home, and preparing life size oil portrait samples to show to a New York gallery.
POSITIVE REALISM: Finding himself increasingly drawn to the spiritual side of pursuing creative excellence, in
January 1981 Mike wrote down concurrent career and spiritual commitment decisions to be a portrait specialist who
sought divine guidance in all matters. Then in 1984 he was spiritually reborn as described in John 3:1-8. Mike next
experienced God's unconditional love and healing power gift from a life changing infilling of the Spirit of God, and in
1985 he committed his art to God and made Him a promise. In 1984 Mike was also permitted to experience a life
altering positive-energy vision that he began researching, developing and applying to his art, eventually calling it
positive-realism*.
A NEW MILLENNIUM INVITATION: During the 1990s, Mike continued to apply a positive-realism approach to
creating and painting portraits, such as those of George Herbert Walker Bush, Buell G. Duncan, Jr., Parks Duncan,
and Reverend Kenneth E. Hagin. However his ongoing research regarding positive-realism expanded to become an
avocational curiosity about how creative and spiritual positive energies might connect in ways that would benefit
everyday life and well being. In 1999 conversations with a portrait subject about creative/spiritual connections led to
Mike receiving the great honor of being invited to attend the historical New Millennium 2000 celebration of the placing
of a gold-encased capstone on the Great Pyramid of Egypt, in order to exclusively document the event artistically from
inside the Pyramid walls. From 2001 through 2006, as a member of the Portrait Society of America, he participated in
international portrait competitions and continued work on three books. Found among Mike's more than 800 portraits
today are business and professional people of Florida and many other states. Rembrandt, Ingres, Stuart, Mr. Kinstler,
Mr. Daniel Greene, Mr. Yousuf Karsh and the teachings of Jesus Christ have had a lasting influence on his work.
PORTRAIT PROCEDURE, FEES & GUARANTEE: Commissioned portraits are accomplished by appointment
from live sittings and/or from photographic materials. Following a personalized client consultation and agreement to
proceed, a portrait is scheduled and a 30% deposit is collected. The initial preparation for a portrait is preferably
scheduled and accomplished at a subject's location. In the tradition of the Masters the single most important step in
order for Mike to provide his best efforts is scheduling a few hours of painting time from life with a subject. Once
life studies are completed and/or reference photos are taken, Mike then returns to the studio to complete the work.
Upon completion and approval the unpaid balance is usually due in full. Oil portrait fees are from $2,000 unframed.
Acrylic and/or Pastel portraits are from $1,600 unframed. Pencil portraits are from $1,000 unframed, and
Charcoal portraits are from $700 unframed. Your complete satisfaction is guaranteed or there is no fee.
ARTIST'S STATEMENT: "America was founded upon great principles and in America portrait painting is a great
longstanding tradition celebrating the marvels of the individual human spirit. I am proud of this dual heritage and
thankful for each opportunity to serve creatively. My journey continues to be a creative/spiritual one and I have
come to believe that each person has what it takes to be their true creative best. A positive-realism approach to
creating involves looking for and seeing the good in life and translating that affirmative vision to one's art. A
positive-realism approach involves treating others as one would want to be treated themself. Positive-realism says:
It Can be done...God is the greatest Artist."
CHALLENGE: A lifelong student of the American Presidency, Mike is also the artist inspired to now challenge any
computer to An American Presidential Portrait Challenge, which is to benefit agencies and organizations that offer
Hope to the Addicted and their Families, and to fulfill a promise made.
*Positive-realism is a trademark of E."Mike" McVaugh's art. © All rights reserved.
Phone:.407-461-9061 www.OilPortraitsForYou.org By appointment
Mailing Address: 4252 North Orange Blossom Trail, MB #37, Orlando, Florida 32804
EDUCATION
1965 -1969 George School, Bucks County, PA
1969 -1971 Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida
1981 Portrait Institute One-Day Seminars, Palm Beach, FL
1982, 1985 Daniel E. Greene Portraiture Workshops, Orlando, FL
1985 -1986 Christian Leadership Course at International Bible College and Seminary, Plymouth, FL
1965 -1969 George School, Bucks County, PA
1969 -1971 Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida
1981 Portrait Institute One-Day Seminars, Palm Beach, FL
1982, 1985 Daniel E. Greene Portraiture Workshops, Orlando, FL
1985 -1986 Christian Leadership Course at International Bible College and Seminary, Plymouth, FL
SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS/FLORIDA; SPONSORS AND ATTENDANCE
1974 Saturday in the Park – Winter Park; Arts Guild of the Council of Arts & Sciences, 1000
1977 WinterPark Mall, Artist’s Corner Exhibition; Winter Park Mall Merchant Assoc., 35,000
1979 Maitland Arts Festival 1981, 1983, 1984; Rotary Club of Maitland, 50,000
1980 Butler Plaza Art Festival – Casselberry; Butler Plaza Merchants Association, 25,000
1983 Lightning Photography Contest – Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival; Lightning Foto
1986 Piedmont Plaza Fine Arts & Crafts Show – Apopka; Statewide Arts, 20,000
1987 Springtime at the Gardens Arts Festival – Orlando; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 40,000
1995 Sidewalk Chalk Festival - Orlando; Central Florida businesses and churches, 20,000
INTERNATIONAL PORTRAIT COMPETITIONS:
2001 Portrait Society of America's International Portrait Competition, Chicago, Illinois
2003 Portrait Society of America's International Portrait Competition, Washington, D.C.
2005 The Art Renewal Center's 2nd International ARC Salon Competition, New York
AWARDS; PARTIAL LIST:
1975 First Place; Pine Hills Sidewalk Art Festival
1980 Second Place; Longwood Arts & Crafts Festival
1982 Second Place; Lake Howell Plaza Arts & Crafts Festival
1983 Second Place for People Category; and
1987 First Place; Pine Hills Sidewalk Art Festival:
HONORS & MEMBERSHIPS:
1986 Invited to participate as a judge in the Florida Congressional Art Competition for High
School Students in Tallahassee, Florida.
1999 Mike received the great honor of being invited to attend the historical New
CURRENT PROJECTS:
1994 - 2007 American Presidential Portrait Challenge
1986 - 2007 Book: Brilliant Minds, featuring celebrities;
2005 - 2007 Video: Miracle Merki the Cat gives a Tour of Mike's Studio
1974 Saturday in the Park – Winter Park; Arts Guild of the Council of Arts & Sciences, 1000
- Osceola Art Festival – Kissimmee; Osceola County Art Association, 30,000
Fiesta in the Park – Orlando 1976, 1980; City of Orlando,100,000
- College Park Art Show 1976, 78, 80, 85, 86; College Park Merchant Assoc., 50,000
1977 WinterPark Mall, Artist’s Corner Exhibition; Winter Park Mall Merchant Assoc., 35,000
1979 Maitland Arts Festival 1981, 1983, 1984; Rotary Club of Maitland, 50,000
1980 Butler Plaza Art Festival – Casselberry; Butler Plaza Merchants Association, 25,000
- Longwood Arts & Crafts Festival 1981; Central FL Society for Historical Preservation, 40,000
1983 Lightning Photography Contest – Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival; Lightning Foto
- Florida Frame house, One-Man Feature Artist Exhibition – Altamonte Springs, 500
1986 Piedmont Plaza Fine Arts & Crafts Show – Apopka; Statewide Arts, 20,000
1987 Springtime at the Gardens Arts Festival – Orlando; Harry P. Leu Gardens, 40,000
1995 Sidewalk Chalk Festival - Orlando; Central Florida businesses and churches, 20,000
INTERNATIONAL PORTRAIT COMPETITIONS:
2001 Portrait Society of America's International Portrait Competition, Chicago, Illinois
2003 Portrait Society of America's International Portrait Competition, Washington, D.C.
2005 The Art Renewal Center's 2nd International ARC Salon Competition, New York
AWARDS; PARTIAL LIST:
1975 First Place; Pine Hills Sidewalk Art Festival
1980 Second Place; Longwood Arts & Crafts Festival
1982 Second Place; Lake Howell Plaza Arts & Crafts Festival
1983 Second Place for People Category; and
- Second Place Art Work Category; Lightning Photography Contest of Winter Park Sidewalk Art
Festival
1987 First Place; Pine Hills Sidewalk Art Festival:
HONORS & MEMBERSHIPS:
1986 Invited to participate as a judge in the Florida Congressional Art Competition for High
School Students in Tallahassee, Florida.
1999 Mike received the great honor of being invited to attend the historical New
- Millennium 2000 coronation of the capstone of the Great Pyramid in Egypt,
and to exclusively document the event artistically.
CURRENT PROJECTS:
1994 - 2007 American Presidential Portrait Challenge
1986 - 2007 Book: Brilliant Minds, featuring celebrities;
- Book: Faces of God; inspirational
2005 - 2007 Video: Miracle Merki the Cat gives a Tour of Mike's Studio
PARTIAL LIST OF PORTRAITS
Richard Anthony "Dick" Allen, American baseball superstar, private collection
Muhammad Ali, Three-time Heavyweight Boxing Champion, purchase Bob Wagner, Orlando, FL
Mrs. Vernon Boyd, Wife of Vernon Boyd, Maitland, FL collection Mr. Boyd
Steven R. Breshwis, United States Naval Officer, Sand Springs, OK collection Mr. Breshwis
George Herbert Walker Bush, 41st President of the United States of America private collection
Mildred Campbell, High School Teacher, New York, NY collection Mrs.Campbell
Jan Capstraw, Wife of Ronald B. Capstraw, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Capstraw
Ronald B. Capstraw, Southern Bell Official, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Capstraw
Bill Cayll, Owner of Flo's Attic Antiques, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Cayll
Janice Coleman, Winner Miss UCF, Winter Park, FL collection Ms Coleman
Donald Cleckley, Award Winning Hairstylist, Apopka, FL collection Mr. & Mrs. David Cleckley
Darrell DeLany, Owner of Quality Coatings, Longwood, FL private collection
Buell G Duncan, Jr. Chairman and CEO of SunBanks, Inc., Orlando, FL collection Mr Duncan
Parks Duncan, Merrill Lynch Vice President, Winter Park, FL collection Mr. Duncan
Albert Einstein, Nobel Prize Winning Theoretical Physicist, collection Susan M. MaGruder, Maitland, FL
Lawrence Fee, International Importrer, Orlando, FL collection Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Fee
Margaret Fee, Wife of Lawrence Fee, Orlando, FL collection Mr. & Mrs. Fee
James R. Freyer, Retired Businessman, Apopka, FL collection Mr. Freyer
Walter A. Grimme, Leading Salesman City Directory, New York, NY, collection Mareta Forrest
Reverend Kenneth E. Hagin, Founder of Kenneth Hagin Ministries, Tulsa, Oklahoma, private collection
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hershkowitz, collection Dr. Melvin Hershkowitz, New York, NY
Mary Robin Hershkowitz, Daughter of Mr.& Mrs. Paul Hershkowitz, Lansing, MI collection the Hershkowitzs
Sigurd Niles Hersloff, III, President Hersloff, Inc., Winter Park, FL private collection
Sallie S. Jenkins, Teacher, Apopka, FL collection Nathaniel Jenkins
Mr.& Mrs.J. Kelleher, Parents of John Kelleher, Winter Park, FL collection John Kelleher
Col. Joseph Kittinger, Jr. World record setting balloonist, Maitland, FL collection Jeff Golding
James J. Kolbinskie, Teacher & Law Enforcement Officer, Apopka, FL collection Mr. Kolbinskie
Walter E. Lanehart, Chief Plumbing Inspector, Apopka, FL collection Mr. Lanehart
Samuel M. Lewis, Jr., Worshipful Grand Master, Masons of Florida, Longwood, FL collection Mr. Lewis
Jared Marchman, Son of Mr. & Mrs. Hal Marchman, Jr., Apopka, FL collection the Marchmans
Jenny Marchman, Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Hal Marchman, Jr., Apopka, FL collection the Marchmans
Mr. & Mrs. T.E.Mardis, Realtors, Orlando, FL collection Mr. & Mrs. Mardis
Geraldine Mercer, Mother of Margaret Mercer, Apopka, FL collection Margaret Mercer
Nathaniel Metzger, Son of Mr. & Mrs. Jack Metzger, Orlando, FL collection the Metzgers
Jack W. McDowall, Athletic Director Rollins College, Winter Park, FL collection Rollins College
Bonnie Newman, Wife of Doug Newman, Maitland, FL collection the Newmans
Anna Marie Panicola, Fine Jewelry Consultant & Manager, Tolvca Lake, CA private collection
Dr. & Mrs. William D. Paisley, Ashland, Ohio collection the Paisleys
Chris Ramsey, Son of Mr. & Mrs. Ray Ramsey, Winter Park, FL collection the Ramseys
Ronald Wilson Reagan, 40th President of the United States of America artist's collection
James S. Reid, Owner of Second Chance, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Reid
Zollie Reid, Founder & Director Kingston Resort, Kingston, OK collection James Reid
Kenny Rodgers, Pop-Country Superstar Singer collection Peaches Records and Tapes, Hialeah, FL
Dr. Hans Selye, Founder & President International Institute of Stress, Montreal, Canada private collection
Orenthal James. "O.J." Simpson, Football Player of the Decade 1970s, private purchase
Harry E. Smith, Gazebo Manufacturer, Orange, MA collection Jeanette Smith
William T. Burndyn Smith, Prince of Egypt, New Orleans, LA collection Mr. Smith
Ann Souppa, Wife of Ralph Souppa, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Souppa
Ralph Souppa, Master Craftsman, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Souppa
Evelyn C Thies, Wife of George F. Thies, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Thies
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Ussery, Owner Swimming Pool Decks, Orlando, FL collection the Usserys
Mrs. Rex E. Van Akin, Past National Grand President Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, Orlando, FL collection Zeta
Omega Chapter at the University of Central Florida
Ben Vissi, Owner Great Graphics Gallery, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Vissi
George Walton, Headmaster George School collection Mary Beth McVaugh, Riverton, NJ
Richard Anthony "Dick" Allen, American baseball superstar, private collection
Muhammad Ali, Three-time Heavyweight Boxing Champion, purchase Bob Wagner, Orlando, FL
Mrs. Vernon Boyd, Wife of Vernon Boyd, Maitland, FL collection Mr. Boyd
Steven R. Breshwis, United States Naval Officer, Sand Springs, OK collection Mr. Breshwis
George Herbert Walker Bush, 41st President of the United States of America private collection
Mildred Campbell, High School Teacher, New York, NY collection Mrs.Campbell
Jan Capstraw, Wife of Ronald B. Capstraw, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Capstraw
Ronald B. Capstraw, Southern Bell Official, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Capstraw
Bill Cayll, Owner of Flo's Attic Antiques, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Cayll
Janice Coleman, Winner Miss UCF, Winter Park, FL collection Ms Coleman
Donald Cleckley, Award Winning Hairstylist, Apopka, FL collection Mr. & Mrs. David Cleckley
Darrell DeLany, Owner of Quality Coatings, Longwood, FL private collection
Buell G Duncan, Jr. Chairman and CEO of SunBanks, Inc., Orlando, FL collection Mr Duncan
Parks Duncan, Merrill Lynch Vice President, Winter Park, FL collection Mr. Duncan
Albert Einstein, Nobel Prize Winning Theoretical Physicist, collection Susan M. MaGruder, Maitland, FL
Lawrence Fee, International Importrer, Orlando, FL collection Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Fee
Margaret Fee, Wife of Lawrence Fee, Orlando, FL collection Mr. & Mrs. Fee
James R. Freyer, Retired Businessman, Apopka, FL collection Mr. Freyer
Walter A. Grimme, Leading Salesman City Directory, New York, NY, collection Mareta Forrest
Reverend Kenneth E. Hagin, Founder of Kenneth Hagin Ministries, Tulsa, Oklahoma, private collection
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hershkowitz, collection Dr. Melvin Hershkowitz, New York, NY
Mary Robin Hershkowitz, Daughter of Mr.& Mrs. Paul Hershkowitz, Lansing, MI collection the Hershkowitzs
Sigurd Niles Hersloff, III, President Hersloff, Inc., Winter Park, FL private collection
Sallie S. Jenkins, Teacher, Apopka, FL collection Nathaniel Jenkins
Mr.& Mrs.J. Kelleher, Parents of John Kelleher, Winter Park, FL collection John Kelleher
Col. Joseph Kittinger, Jr. World record setting balloonist, Maitland, FL collection Jeff Golding
James J. Kolbinskie, Teacher & Law Enforcement Officer, Apopka, FL collection Mr. Kolbinskie
Walter E. Lanehart, Chief Plumbing Inspector, Apopka, FL collection Mr. Lanehart
Samuel M. Lewis, Jr., Worshipful Grand Master, Masons of Florida, Longwood, FL collection Mr. Lewis
Jared Marchman, Son of Mr. & Mrs. Hal Marchman, Jr., Apopka, FL collection the Marchmans
Jenny Marchman, Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Hal Marchman, Jr., Apopka, FL collection the Marchmans
Mr. & Mrs. T.E.Mardis, Realtors, Orlando, FL collection Mr. & Mrs. Mardis
Geraldine Mercer, Mother of Margaret Mercer, Apopka, FL collection Margaret Mercer
Nathaniel Metzger, Son of Mr. & Mrs. Jack Metzger, Orlando, FL collection the Metzgers
Jack W. McDowall, Athletic Director Rollins College, Winter Park, FL collection Rollins College
Bonnie Newman, Wife of Doug Newman, Maitland, FL collection the Newmans
Anna Marie Panicola, Fine Jewelry Consultant & Manager, Tolvca Lake, CA private collection
Dr. & Mrs. William D. Paisley, Ashland, Ohio collection the Paisleys
Chris Ramsey, Son of Mr. & Mrs. Ray Ramsey, Winter Park, FL collection the Ramseys
Ronald Wilson Reagan, 40th President of the United States of America artist's collection
James S. Reid, Owner of Second Chance, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Reid
Zollie Reid, Founder & Director Kingston Resort, Kingston, OK collection James Reid
Kenny Rodgers, Pop-Country Superstar Singer collection Peaches Records and Tapes, Hialeah, FL
Dr. Hans Selye, Founder & President International Institute of Stress, Montreal, Canada private collection
Orenthal James. "O.J." Simpson, Football Player of the Decade 1970s, private purchase
Harry E. Smith, Gazebo Manufacturer, Orange, MA collection Jeanette Smith
William T. Burndyn Smith, Prince of Egypt, New Orleans, LA collection Mr. Smith
Ann Souppa, Wife of Ralph Souppa, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Souppa
Ralph Souppa, Master Craftsman, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Souppa
Evelyn C Thies, Wife of George F. Thies, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Thies
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Ussery, Owner Swimming Pool Decks, Orlando, FL collection the Usserys
Mrs. Rex E. Van Akin, Past National Grand President Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, Orlando, FL collection Zeta
Omega Chapter at the University of Central Florida
Ben Vissi, Owner Great Graphics Gallery, Orlando, FL collection Mr. Vissi
George Walton, Headmaster George School collection Mary Beth McVaugh, Riverton, NJ
PORTRAIT DEMONSTRATIONS:
ART-Teriors, Longwood, FL;
Oil portrait demonstration (Head vignette, life size) painted of live subject in one sitting.
Pastel portrait demonstration (Head vignette, life size) rendered of live subject in one sitting.
Clermont (Florida) Art League
Pastel portrait demonstration (Head vignette, life size) rendered of live subject in one sitting
VOLUNTEER WORK:
Central Florida public school classroom art talks, including donations of drawing paper and
pastels for all students, encouraging participation of each student to draw the President of the
United States.
PUBLICATIONS and APPEARANCES: (partial listing)
Cover story Center Stage Magazine; September issue 1986
Cover story Apopka Chief Newspaper; May 1986
Television appearance and prime time interview with portraits: TV 52; 1986
Television appearance outside John Young Planetarium with painting
Portrait of a Total lunar Eclipse; TV 6; 1989
ART-Teriors, Longwood, FL;
Oil portrait demonstration (Head vignette, life size) painted of live subject in one sitting.
Pastel portrait demonstration (Head vignette, life size) rendered of live subject in one sitting.
Clermont (Florida) Art League
Pastel portrait demonstration (Head vignette, life size) rendered of live subject in one sitting
VOLUNTEER WORK:
Central Florida public school classroom art talks, including donations of drawing paper and
pastels for all students, encouraging participation of each student to draw the President of the
United States.
PUBLICATIONS and APPEARANCES: (partial listing)
Cover story Center Stage Magazine; September issue 1986
Cover story Apopka Chief Newspaper; May 1986
Television appearance and prime time interview with portraits: TV 52; 1986
Television appearance outside John Young Planetarium with painting
Portrait of a Total lunar Eclipse; TV 6; 1989
E. "M I K E" M c V A U G H
ART CRITIC'S ESSAY: Reuben Benasher, former art critic and writer for ARTnews
Magazine, wrote as part of an essay: "McVaugh is a dedicated American portrait artist with a
particular talent to make each portrait as unique as the subject he is commissioned to paint....
This power is what transcends McVaugh's work beyond the ordinary. He appears to capture
likeness and mood and spirit... and subtleties of likeness and mood and spirit as well."
Magazine, wrote as part of an essay: "McVaugh is a dedicated American portrait artist with a
particular talent to make each portrait as unique as the subject he is commissioned to paint....
This power is what transcends McVaugh's work beyond the ordinary. He appears to capture
likeness and mood and spirit... and subtleties of likeness and mood and spirit as well."
TM
