Questions & Answers
Q. How do I register to Bid?
A. Click on “Register to bid”. Choose a user name and password and you are good to go for all auctions.
Q. How do I bid and how does the auction process work?
A. Click “Bid.” When you place a bid you are specifying the maximum amount that you are willing to bid on the painting currently at auction. The system will then place bids on your behalf in low 5% increments as needed in order to remain the high bidder. If your high bid maximum is surpassed you can always choose to enter a higher amount.
This familiar “max bid proxy” auction process guarantees the lowest possible selling price to the winning bidder. When you do have the winning bid at the close of the auction I will contact you to arrange shipping and payment through my simple and secure shopping cart system. The system accepts credit cards and Paypal.
Q. How do you determine the starting minimum bid?
A. The minimum starting bid is set at half my customary price for a similar size original work. I sincerely appreciate my collectors and subscribers. Offering a low starting bid along with first dibs on my newest work is one small way of saying thank you to my collectors and subscribers.
Q. Are the Day in Vermont auction paintings framed or unframed?
A. All Day in Vermont paintings are auctioned unframed. The winning bidder may opt to add a standard frame at check out. You can add this high quality frame to any auction painting for $100.
Q. How do you ship Day in Vermont Paintings and how much does it cost?
A. I use USPS and UPS to ship all orders unless alternate arrangements are made. Winning bidders provide shipping info and payment through my simple and secure shopping cart system. That system will calculate shipping as appropriate and state tax if applicable. (VT sales only). To most U.S. locations shipping is typically $9.95 for unframed paintings and $19.95 for framed pieces.
Q. What happens if an original painting is not sold during the auction?
A. It goes to my online gallery of Original Paintings, home gallery, or to an Art Partner retail gallery at standard pricing.
Q. How does the monthly subscriber print giveaway work?
A. I give away one 11X14 unframed print each month. Winner’s choice. I use Random.org to generate a random number based on the total number of subscribers on my list. If your number comes up, you win. I’ll announce the winner every month on A Day in Vermont. Thanks for subscribing!
Q. Do you make prints from your Day In Vermont originals?
A. Many “Day in Vermont” paintings are also offered as limited edition giclee prints. Please check my Print Gallery for availability. Just let let me know if you have a question about a specific image.
Q. What does Vermont mean to you?
A. Words become art when they come from the heart. Vermont inspired quotes, quips, stories, and poems are a natural compliment to my artwork. If you would like to have a few of your lines (up to eight) featured on A Day in Vermont post, please submit your prose to me at peter@peterhuntoon.com. Make sure to include your name and location (city & state) so I can give you proper credit!
Q. How do you decide what to paint?
A. I have a long list of things I want to paint but I am always looking for new locations and subjects. I often just hop in the car and follow my heart, and nose. There are few things more exciting (to me) than stumbling onto irresistible inspiration. Many ideas and suggestions for new paintings come from you. A Day in Vermont is one way for us to collaborate and create something beautiful together.
Q. How did A Day in Vermont start?
A. A Day in Vermont officially launched in March 2013. It’s built for friends who enjoy my work and love Vermont. My simple plan is to explore the state one painting at a time and share the adventure with you. My ambitious goal is two good paintings per week.
Q. How long does it take to complete a painting?
A. The classic answer is 50 years (my current age). The preparation and planning often take longer than the execution. Ideas are the same way. Some come in a flash and others need plenty of incubation time. The actual painting may take as little as two or three hours, while most average about eight. Oils take (me) longer than watercolor. Larger or more detailed paintings can take many days. If possible I try to complete a painting in one sitting. The forward momentum helps sustain the considerable energy and focus required. I find there is little correlation between the effort, time, and ultimate result. Some of my best work is done quickly. On the other hand, I have stacks of paintings that took me many hours to gradually ruin. I count all those as necessary practice.
Q. An original painting I really wanted is no longer available. Can you create another one like it?
A. No two original paintings are the same and I would not try to duplicate one. That said, I often work in series and create several paintings based on a single subject or idea. A similar painting may be possible. Please contact me to discuss a possible private commission.
Q. Do you accept invitations? I think you would love our property.
A. I appreciate and often accept invitations to visit private property with the freedom to explore. If you are interested in a having me paint a specific subject specifically for you I would be happy to discuss the possibilities. Please consider a private commission.
Q. Do you teach?
A. I am an occasional professor of art at Castleton College. I also conduct occasional workshops and demonstrations. These events will be posted on my calendar. If you would like to discuss the possibility of a workshop or demonstration for your group, please contact me directly. I do not offer private lessons at this time.
Q. We have a beautiful summer camp on the lake. Would you consider trading a painting of our camp for a week’s stay next summer? In addition to the camp I think you would find a lot of great things to paint in the area.
A. Yes. My wife and I are low impact, considerate guests. Please contact me directly to discuss barter possibilities.
Q. Do you work on site, from photos, from sketches, from memory, or your imagination?
A. Yes. All of the above and in combination. Like a symphony orchestra I will use one, some, or all instruments available to help me express the music in my heart.
Q. If I buy an original painting from you (or any other artist) do I also own reproduction and image rights?
A. No. You will own an authentic, original painting. All work is protected by copyright and the artist retains all image rights. Physical reproduction is prohibited without the expressed written consent of the artist. That said, I’m a nice guy and very easy to work with. Specific requests for image use will be considered. Please contact me with any questions you may have.
Note: Please feel free to share digital images from my website via the Internet, email, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.
Q. What style do you call your work?
A. I think if you have something sincere to say you will find a way to say it. That will be an authentic voice. Robert Henri said; “Your style is the way you talk in paint.” More