Peak at Pico May 25, 2015

From our vantage point at Leffert’s Pond in Chittenden we could see Pico Peak rising in the distance.

Tender spring greens emerge after a long winter nap and dance down the mountain side.

A loon’s cry echos across the water like some ancient spirit of unspoiled wilderness.

Just another Day in Vermont.

Enjoy the Video here!

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On the Spot with Peter Huntoon

This painting was our very first “On the Spot” adventure.

Counting our video man Daniel, seven brave souls endured chilly temps and a stiff breeze to join me for this new on-location painting experience.

It’s a good thing they showed up. I was ready to scurry home to a warm studio.

Once again… I couldn’t have done it without you!

Through chattering teeth from under his blanket, Chris Edmunds supplied the great title for the panting.

We’ll be planning another On the Spot painting soon.

Comments Add Yours

  • Con & co says:

    Passing it on——-Thanks Be To You, Peter, for sharing, ‘A Day In Vermont’ with All of us !!!! Con

  • Martha J Welch says:

    A magical spot any season of the year…..beautifully done.

  • David Lacy says:

    I’ve always enjoyed the beauty and vistas at Leffert’s Pond, too, and this image really captures it Peter! I would also like to add my thanks to the Green Mountain National Forest for preserving and maintaining this area for the public to enjoy.

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Amen to your thanks for the GMNF David, we are indeed very fortunate to have places like this.

  • Carol Mina says:

    Oh Yes! A favorite spot for over fifty years. That big tree trunk used to be a huge upright tree and close by a stone chimney left from an old homestead. A great picnic area, but in much warmer weather. Thank you, Peter.

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      If I came by this spot 150 years ago I would have built a homestead too. Gorgeous. Thanks Carol!

  • Chris Edmunds says:

    Thank you for the extremely cool experience! Definitely want to do it again with wifey next time.

  • Brian Blaine says:

    Great job! Glad the chill air and the breeze didn’t affect your skillful handling of the many shades of green that nature provides. What can be a difficult color for some artists, like myself, was obviously no problem to you. Hope to join you one day for an “On the Spot” painting

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      I hope to meet you On the Spot one of these times too Brian. Yes, green can become pervasive, especially if you use phalo/windsor green. Viridian is gentler, a polite mixer, and pretty much the same hue. The initial wash of complimentary violet also helped to counter the possibility of monotony.

  • Randy Priest says:

    I wish I could have joined you. Even though it’s a 350 mile drive for me, I just might surprise you. I visited this very spot when I stayed at the Mountain Top Inn & Resort 3 years ago. Thanks for bringing back a great memory!

  • Diane Miles says:

    I so enjoyed watching the video and seeing how your amazing creativity evolves as the painting comes to life. Your videos are so much fun to watch. I look forward to seeing new seasonal paintings showing Spring and Summer in Vermont.

    Would love to visit “your part of the world” one of these days, and meet you personally.

    Diane M.

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      I’ll look forward to meeting you Diane. Until then we will keep the paintings (and videos) coming.

  • Brian Dugan says:

    Great painting & video this week, as always. I’m curious about where the pond is that you set up to paint. At home in Nevada, I have a hand-colored photograph looking at Pico. It was given to my mother in the late 1930s or early 40s by the photographer. The setting is along a dirt road along a body of water and I only know it’s somewhere in the West Rutland area. I’ve always wondered about the more specific location. Happy Memorial Day.

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      This is Leffert’s Pond Brian, which flows into Chittenden Reservoir. I don’t know of the spot in West Rutland off the top of my head, but if I stumble onto it I’ll be sure to let you know.

  • Charlene Gibson says:

    Love these paintings and I thank you so much for sharing your adventures with me. I now live in NH, but will always be a Vermonter!!

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Once a Vermonter, always a Vermonter. Glad we can share a little Vermont together each week Charlene.

  • Deanie says:

    How peaceful…

  • Steven Landry says:

    My wife and I met as ski instructors at Pico. Been married 25 years this year and this is my gift to her for a great 25 years.

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Happy Anniversary Steven, and of course thank you very much for adding “Peak at Pico” to your collection. It’s all framed and will ship today. Thanks again, and all the best from Vermont!

  • Mary Crowley says:

    Peter – Just watched your video. WOW ! The freedom with paint you first show, then getting down
    to what you see, winding up with your unique interpretation of what is in front of you. I am in awe.
    Wish you still offered classes. Why not ? In January at The Chaffee ? / Question – What surface do
    you paint on ? Where do you buy that surface ? What brand of paint do you use ? / Take care. Be well. Keep inspiring us with you paintings ! Love, Mary

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thanks for your kind words Mary, much appreciated! Regarding teaching, I am really enjoying the sharing/teaching/learning we are doing right here on A Day in Vermont thee days, with the videos, and now the “On the Spot” painting/watching opportunities. I’ll confess that I prefer it to the traditional classroom situation…I get to share the creative experience with many hundreds of nice people each week…with no administration, attendance, set up, or pressure. And no charge. 🙂 Regarding your specific questions, I think all of them are answered here…https://www.peterhuntoon.com/the-artist/methods-materials/

  • Christine Holzschuh says:

    You are an endless fountain of good ideas. Love “On the Spot”. Makes me want to go paint!

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      I hope you can join me Christine for an on the spot paint out. Regarding good ideas, even the blind squirrel finds an occasional nut. Especially a stubborn one. Thank you!

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