Eagle Eye Mar 24, 2014

The recent Bald Eagle sightings have been the talk of the town here in Middletown Springs.

And although I went out looking, I didn’t get lucky.

Thankfully a nice neighbor did. Marianne West was happy to share her great photos with me.

I’ll be keeping a keen eagle eye on the tree tops.

But for now, I’ll get by with a little help from my friends.

11X14
Watermedia on Panel

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Stone Valley Painters Announcement

Are you a beginning or intermediate painter eager to improve? Perhaps you’re a seasoned veteran with knowledge to spare?

Beginning next Monday the Stone Valley Painters will meet every other week to paint in a mutually supportive group setting.

Artists of all levels are welcome. While there is no official or formal instruction, we all learn from each other. We will enjoy the camaraderie that develops from our common quest (aka struggle!) to become better painters. Enthusiasm is contagious. Experience is shared. Success is noted and failures endured. Progress prevails. Painting with a diverse and dynamic group of artists is profoundly educational, inspirational, and just plain fun.

We hope you will join us! Bring your own gear and reference material. Although this is a free program, a donation of $5 per session to help support SVA is greatly appreciated. If you need extra encouragement to attend or have any questions just give me a call at 235-2328.

Location: 3rd Floor Journal Press Building Poultney VT. 6:00 – 9:00 PM March 31, April 14, April 28, May 12, and May 26.

Epilogue

You may remember a recent Day in Vermont painting, the Poultney Library.

I wanted to share “the rest of the story” with you.

That painting was done at the Poultney Library as a demonstration. I posted the finished painting on A Day in Vermont and the piece generated considerable interest. The final auction winner was Helen Hadley.

Well it turned out that our friend Helen had a generous plan.

The following letter from Poultney Library Director Rebecca Cook to Mrs. Hadley explains the rest of the story…

Dear Mrs. Hadley,

Everyone at the Poultney Public Library would like to thank you for your kind and generous donation! We are a small library, only 1600 square feet, with a staff of four. It was so exciting to have Peter come do a demonstration for us, and even more exciting when we learned that he was going to be painting our library! Watching our beloved building come to life as he painted was a magical experience. Our staff, our library board, and our regular patrons are so happy to be able to hang the painting here at the library.

On a personal note, I am an avid reader who grew up in Poultney. As a teen the Poultney Public Library was my home away from home, and I spent many hours here every week. My first job was mowing the library lawn with a rusted antique reel mower! I have felt privileged to be the Library Director here for the past five and a half years, and look forward to many more years at this job. The warm, welcoming windows that Peter painted perfectly depict the homey and comforting atmosphere that we try to provide for all who walk in the door.

We will be displaying the painting near our circulation desk, where all will be able to appreciate its beauty for years to come. I am working on commissioning a memorial plate to be displayed with the painting. It will read, “Donated in memory of Dave Hadley, an avid reader and book lover.”

Thank you again for your generosity, it is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Rebecca

Peter-Helen-Rebecca

Peter, Helen, and Rebecca pose with the donated painting at the Poultney Library Saturday morning.

Comments Add Yours

  • David Churchill says:

    What a great picture of a magnificent bird! You captured it great. Good to hear you gettng good praise for your teaching and your art. I bet it was a fun day for you.

  • Gail Baldwin says:

    What a wonderful gesture for Mrs. Hadley to honor the memory of her husband and to bless the library and all who enter. Peter, you are a blessing too, nice begets nice! Wish I was living closer to take advantage of joining you and the Stone Valley painters! Sincerely, Gail

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      A great story of connection and generosity all around. thanks Gail. I wish you could join us painting too!

  • Sukie Knight says:

    Love, love this one! He looks alive and it is a wish of mine to someday see one in the wild. IN the meantime, what a fantastic job of making him appear ready to fly. Love all your work, Peter.

  • Elise Cassarino says:

    As a lover of raptors, I too have been searching the tree tops for weeks. There was a Bald Eagle sighting by a friend of mine a few weeks ago and she called me promptly, but by the time I arrived it was gone. I’ve also been looking for Owls. When I finally encountered one with my camera raised I stepped on some crackly ice which startled it. It flew away before I could focus on it. I’ll keep looking for them.

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Maybe the rarity of seeing them makes it all the more special when we do encounter one. They have a powerful presence. I’d hate to be a small rodent. Thanks Elise!

  • Joe Roe says:

    Wow. Love this one.

  • Kate Wysolmerski says:

    I love watching them soar over Lake St. Catherine… and I love how you captured the unmistakable brilliant white of the bird’s feathers.

  • Wendi says:

    Mrs. Hadley’s generous heartfelt donation is the perfect ending to a beautiful beginning story. Your painting is even more special now. I’m looking forward to visiting the library even more now!

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thanks for the nice comment Wendi, maybe you will come to the SVA painting sessions and join us?

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