The Art of Chester County

The Art of

Chester County Vaughn Stadtmiller

BY BRUCE A. COLLEY, DO

New York New York (On the cover)

Gulkana Run

Vaughn Stadtmiller grew up in Latrobe, Pennsylvania but has lived in Chester County for the past 40 years. He described his interest and love of art beginning from his earliest memories. “I cannot remember a time in my life when art was not the reason for my being.” Vaughn shared a beautiful story crediting his father for fostering his interest and talent. His father, a shipping supervisor at a local manufacturing plant, also loved art since his boyhood, but needing to provide for his family never pursued art in any other way but as an evening hobby. His dad, who never lost his passion for drawing, ran across and advertisement in TV Guide for art classes via the Famous Art School, a post-war correspondence school. His dad would order art classes in the mail and lovingly complete them in his few off hours. Vaughn’s most precious memories of his father were of him working on his art, allowing Vaughn to sit with him and when older help complete the projects. Though Vaughn spoke of their relation tangentially, it was clear to me his father recognized Vaughn’s artistic bent and championed his pursuit of a career in art. Though passing at age 56 and never living to see Vaughn’s stellar career I suspect he knew full-well of his son’s talents. Yes, this memory Vaughn shared with me of his father’s love of his son brought tears to me.

Moon of the Great Horned

Great Egret

After graduating from the Hussian School of Art in Philadelphia, Vaughn moved to West Chester as he accepted a job offer from the Lasko Metal Products Company. They hired him as a graphic artist and there he designed, drew, and made models of the various metal products made by Lasko, including lamps and fans. During his 42 years as a commercial graphic artist Vaugh also worked for the Lenox China company, Bradford Exchange, and many years at the Franklin Mint as well as a private commercial art consultant. Vaugh used his considerable artistic talents in a variety of artistic modalities, including product design, industrial models, painting, sculpture, wood carving and glass. Even though Vaughn’s occupation took him to a number of different companies and projects he remained in West Chester, as he found Chester County was his artistic home, and enjoys being part of the dynamic art community here in Chester County. Upon retirement Vaughn has pursued the fine arts full-time. He now concentrates on painting using watercolor and a modern egg tempera called acrylic gauche. Most recently Vaughn has been concentrating on rendering of wildlife and Chester County landscapes. Please take a moment to enjoy this small sample of his breathtaking art.

White Throated Sparrow

Ellie at Hoopes

Blue Bird & Apple Blossems

Artist Biography:

Throughout my life I’ve maintained an active interest in the arts and the great outdoors. Having traveled to the western states and Alaska many times on fishing trips, I found time to sketch and photograph the magnificent wildlife and landscapes.

Living in Chester County most of my life, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for its own charm, beauty and history. During the past years, I’ve focused most of my work on our feathered friends, especially paying attention to detail with all the things that surround us.

I’ve been drawing ever since I can remember, with my father as my first and biggest influence. I attended Hussian School of Art and graduated with an associate’s degree in design & illustration.

I’ve made my career in the art field for the past 50 years. My wife and I had an exciting ride in the craft field for a number of years. Then I got into the commercial art market where I had accounts with the Franklin Mint, Lenox China, Bradford Exchange and numerious studios and agencies.

Currently I’ve been participating in numerous galleries and shows on the East Coast. Watercolor & Acrylic are my choice of mediums.