Oh my goodness Susan -- this portrait is exquisite! It absolutely captures Jim beyond what anyone could expect! You are a genius! Many thanks Susan – it has been wonderful working with you on this. —Barbara DeBisschop, Manager, Corporate Relations, Webster Bank

Thank you so much for capturing our souls on canvas! I look forward to seeing Paul’s portrait! After visiting your studio, he was inspired with quite a few ideas! —Terran Whittingham, Stamford, CT


We think it's wonderful! The pose is great and we love the colors etc. You did a great job capturing our likenesses and making us feel "natural." —Jennifer Philips wife of Bill Philips Head of the Westminster School, Simsbury, CT commenting on their double portrait


“You were so correct, the pictures didn’t do it justice. It is magnificent and brought a flood of tears to my eyes. I am totally amazed that a human being can capture her with a paint brush and canvas, but you did it!! There are no words to express my joy and gratitude. God Bless you !” —Wayne Fox, Houston Texas

I’ve shown your portrait to several people and they love it as much as I! Great job! Thanks. Brother Ronald Hingle, Provincial, Province of the United States, Brothers of the Sacred Heart

Susan, It’s quite beautiful!! I think you captured him. There’s a dignity and humility that I feel you’ve captured quite well. The detail on the cassock and crucifix is outstanding. I’ve shown your portrait to several people and they love it as much as I! Great job! Thanks. —Bro. Ronald Hingle, Provincial, Province of the United States, Brothers of the Sacred Heart

The portrait looks fabulous! I am very pleased – you are wonderfully talented and I thank you so much for your work. —Robert J. Lynn Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court

You nailed it! This is perfect….You told me you would deliver the best portrait in the collection and I’m certain you have. —Tony Venhuizen Chief of Staff, The Honorable Dennis Daugaard, Governor of South Dakota


I love, love, love it! You have caught the hint of my watch, the folds in my hood, made my hair better... so much to thank you for. —Dr. Sue Groesbeck

Perfection. I really like the smile…better even than my real one! —Trudy Hall

The painting of Eli is everything I had hoped and more. You did an amazing job of capturing his essence. Thank you again! —Amy
"Thank you for your good work on your latest masterpiece for our family. We admire the family portrait of our children, especially as they have grown and are away from home! Your lifelike depiction of them makes it so they are with us every day!

Your latest portrait exceeded our expectations in every way and for that we are grateful. Your work is without parallel and we are so grateful that our paths crossed. I ‘ll have one more from you to do as we can never get enough of your good work.

I sincerely hope others have the opportunity to work with such a professional artist that you are! —Sincerely, Rob Bouvier

Your work is beautiful and flattering, and I appreciate your meticulous attention to detail, craftsmanship, and warmth… With sincere gratitude. —Dr. Kevin M. Hicks, Former Head of The Hotchkiss School, Current President Stevenson School

“Thanks so much for this great work of art” —John P. Tuke, Chief Financial Officer, The Hotchkiss School

Your work captures the Justice beautifully, and we look forward to hanging it in a prominent place in our Court of Appeals where he served before his appointment to the Supreme Court." —The Honorable Diane P. Wood, Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit


The Dey family, along with present and future Choate generations, shall ever be the beneficiaries of your accurate and sensitive portrayal of dear Phoebe. And the most important tribute came from your subject's first reaction to seeing her portrait, 'I could not be more pleased!' —Charles F. Dey, former Head Master, Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, Connecticut


I wanted to thank you for the fabulous portrait you made of Roy Friedman, President of Standard Oil. The portrait is very life-like. You really capture his personality — his strength and honesty.

I would be very happy to provide a reference for you if you ever need one.  Again, many thanks for a job very well done! —David Cohen, Executive Vice President, Standard Oil of Connecticut

It was a little difficult to write you immediately following the weeks after we put up the portrait of my parents. You did so much, much more than put their images on canvas. You've captured their twinkle, their personalities and love. In essence, you have given me back my parents. I feel their presence. Much more than any photograph could ever do.  Everyone that had known them and seen the painting has the same immediate connection that Sue and I did when we first saw it in your studio. The common response is, "It's like they're here!"  Some even talk to them.

Most of all, you made the process so easy and positive. 

Thank you. You are a special:  as an artist and as a person. —Bill and Sue Pepe, Greenwich, Connecticut

Peter Trippi, (portrait sketch) Editor, Fine Art Connoisseur Oil on Canvas, 20 x 16

"I was/am certainly impressed by your work, and would love to have the sketch if you are indeed willing to part with it... Keep up the good work." Best, Peter

Susan Durkee's portraits are simply stated in one word - "beautiful!" I've worked with many artists and writers over 35 years in book publishing in NYC and I have to say that Susan's work is master quality. She captures light, tone, and colors with all her elegant touches. A painting by Susan Durkee will become not only sentimental but a treasure for future generations. —Jan Kardys, Nationally recognized Literary Agent; President Black Hawk Literary Agency

Thank you so much for the wonderful portrait you painted of me. Everyone I heard comment on May 19th raved about the likeness. After I looked of the material you enclosed giving your bio. and showing some of the portraits you have done, I decided I should be honored to have been painted by you. ...You're a very talented and thoughtful artist. I wish you great success as your career continues. —Nancy E. Lauber, former Headmistress, Greens Farms Academy
Susan Durkee has done such an outstanding job of capturing the presence and the person/ personality in my son, Saleel's, portrait. We are so happy to have this portrait, it will be treasured by our family. —Amita Kulkarni, Ridgefield, Connecticut

On behalf of the Post University and the Baldrige family, thank you so much for painting such a magnificent portrait of Malcolm Baldrige and for joining us at our recent celebration. It was an honor to have you there. Please know that your painting will be a very special part of the Malcom Baldrige School of Business for years to come. Again, I’m so glad you were able to join us at this special event. —Tom Samph, Ph.D. President of Post University

It looks LOVELY! If you think about it, the fact that I engaged you simply from your website is astounding. But the work you showed there was quite exceptional, and you've done it again. I'm sure the Baldrige family will be thrilled that you've taken this black and white photo and made it come to life in full color!

Many, many thanks... not only for your professionalism, but for putting so much heart into this effort. It is a joy to work with you! —Bob Sembiante, Communications Associate, Post University

On behalf of my family and I, we would like to thank you for your support in creating the beautiful Portrait of Deb and my dogs. I looked long and hard for an artist, luckily for me I found you. Your exceeded my expectations with your passion, dedication, patience and skills......Thank YOU! Thank YOU! —Ron Plourde


It is lovely, great job! Your portrait is GORGEOUS. There will be lots of oohs and ahs from the assembled Bolton ladies! Wonderful job! —Susan Ball, '71 Director of Alumni Relations, Associate Director of Development, Greens Farms Academy

Your Lucille really catches her...a fine likeness and good painting...congratulations! Thanks again for your excellent portrait for Players permanent collection. —Everett Raymond Kinstler

Please accept this belated note as one of thanks and gratitude for the 'Masterpiece' that you so meticulously painted of Mr. Gierer. He was truly moved. Unfortunately, I don't have a good photo of his reaction but I know you can imagine his reaction when the unveiling took place.

Susan, you are truly an extraordinary artist and, an extraordinary individual. I truly deem myself fortunate the day we met. I can only hope for the day when we shall work together again on another
project, either professionally or personally. —Scot B. Weicker for Chairman of UST Inc., Director, Corporate Contributions and Events
I wish you could know how much I appreciate the splendid job you did getting my portrait done. You were so professional in bringing in all that electrical equipment to take the picture, and save me the pain of sitting for you.

Everyone seems very pleased with it, and I am too!! With warmest regards and best wishes for the success of your career as a portrait painter. —Helen Coley Nauts, Founder, Cancer Research Institiute

The portrait is wonderful! You have captured Nobleman's eye. I also love the pencil. —Lanie Wimberly, World Hunter Champion 2001, Capitol Challenge


Just a note of thanks for the beautiful portrait you did for us of the children. It was beyond our expectations and we have received so many wonderful accolades on it.

You have a wonderful talent Susan and we are once again proud to display another one of your magnificent pieces in our home. We will treasure our children's portrait forever! —Robin & Paul Garavel

Thank you so much, dear Susan, for sending along the oil study! You call it a "rough", but I love it just as it is - taking at least forty years off my old face ... my beau loves it too! Any more work on it might break my heart. —Joy Otis