Family Plot Oct 27, 2014

Do you believe in ghosts?

The old Vermont graveyards are full of headstones dating back two centuries.

Standing among them puts things into perspective.

Here, I can feel the indomitable spirit that tamed a rugged wilderness.

And the individual sacrifice that gave us our freedom.

11X14
Watermedia on Panel

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Every headstone has a story. One marks the grave of Jonathan Griswold, who died in Middletown Springs on June 16, 1816.

The following is an excerpt from Barnes Frisbie’s 1867 “History of Middletown”. It was provided by my friend David Wright of the Middletown Springs Historical Society.

 A Training Day Gone Wrong

Jonathan Griswold had a son, Jonathan, who met his death under circumstances sad and painful. He was accidentally killed on a ‘training day’ in June 1816. He was then an officer in the company of militia. The accident occurred in the latter part of the day, after the company had been discharged. A company had collected in the ballroom of the present hotel [ed.’s note: The Valley Hotel, where Grant’s Store now stands]. The members of the militia company without form or order, were saluting them by discharging their muskets heavily loaded with powder, in front of the hotel, and during these exercises Griswold received the contents of a musket discharged within a few feet of his head, which killed him instantly. The affair cast a gloom over the people of Middletown, and for a long time the foolish practice of firing on training days was almost wholly abandoned; and so long as the military trainings were continued, the fathers and mothers, as their sons started on the first Tuesday of June ‘to go to training’, as a matter of caution, would rehearse to them the fate of ‘poor Jonathan Griswold’.

Chaffee Downtown Show: Oil and Water

You are cordially invited to join my wife Mareva Millarc and I at the Chaffee Downtown opening reception this coming Saturday November 1, from 5 – 7 PM

This “husband and wife” show will feature many new paintings in oil and waterbased media.

In conjunction with the show, I’ll be doing a free demonstration at the Chaffee Downtown location on Friday November 14 at 6 PM.

Marvea will teach Chaffee’s Wednesday evening Sip n’ Dip Painting Class, November 5th at the Chaffee Downtown Gallery.

Happy Halloween!

Peter

Comments Add Yours

  • Rebecca Rimson says:

    I just discovered your website through the Subaru magazine! You capture Vermont in its many moods. Although I live in the beautiful redwood country of California, Vermont has a special place in my heart, having visited my aunt in Essex Jct. since the late 1950s! She passed recently, but I can get my Vermont “fix” from you weekly. Thank you!!!

  • Steve Gilzow says:

    Peter, I love the texture you got into the gravestones; wonderful painting. I had a question about the paint itself. Does “watermedia on board” mean acrylic? Thanks.

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      I used my artistic license on this piece. (Thanks Steve!) In this case, watermedia means regular transparent watercolor with the addition of opaque white goache. That’s it. I occasionally use acyclic, inks, pastel, charcoal, and other stuff lying around my studio, but 99% of the time my “watermedia” is just w/c with gouache. For the panels, I use Ampersand Art panels, incl Auqaboard, Clayboard, and some custom prepared surfaces using Masa paper. Happy painting!

  • Peter…this is a stunning “portrait” of this “hallowed space.”
    I’m a funeral musician and celebrant. This week alone I’ll be celebrating and serving at 7 funerals. Our beloved dead are only so in the physical sense….they are so VERY MUCH ALIVE in Spirit….and you captured the essence of the mystery so beautifully….I could “feel” it in the pine trees….beautiful brush effects that echo the spirit voices. You’re “tapped in” my friend…and we are all richer for it!

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thanks so much for the kind words and support Victoria. I don’t know if I believe in ghosts, but I can feel Spirit. And I guess those “feelings” are indeed a big part of my art, no matter what I am painting. When a painting connects with someone who “feels” the same way….beautiful!

  • Michele Harmon says:

    Peter,
    You amaze me with your talent. Perfect subject choice. Wish I could join you at Chaffee. Maybe another time. Thank you for capturing Vermont and sharing with everyone.

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Hi Michele, and thank you very much for all your support here on A Day in Vermont! I hope to see you soon.

  • Joe Roe says:

    Very nice Peter.

  • Angie says:

    I love this! I have been working primarily in oil for the last 4 years, but since seeing your work, I have pulled all my watercolors back out, have them in a backpack ready to go in my car, which is my traveling studio. Like you, I love to explore and be outdoors as much as possible. Quick question…do you mix the white gauche with the regular watercolors? Or do you use it for highlights? I HOPE I CAN COME TO YOUR SUMMER WORKSHOP!!!

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thank you Angie, glad I could help inspire some new watercolors for you. The answer to your question is simple on the surface, more difficult in execution. Yes, I mix the white gouache with regular watercolors… but carefully. Part of the thrill of working with this combination is the challenge of successful Integration. It’s very easy to get everything muddy/chalky if you are not careful. A delicate and decisive brush stoke is your friend when it comes to this approach. An endless dabber is going to suffer. 🙂 Keep in mind I still use the white of the paper for some lights…but the use of white paint AND the paper creates a more interesting end engaging surface. (IMHO) Stephen Quiller is a master in Watermedia and combining opaque/transparent. He has many good books, if you are inclined to study more on this subject. Yes, I hope our paths will cross in a workshop!

  • David Churchill says:

    Nice picture. Vermont is so full of historical cementaries. Nice to be captured on canvas.

  • Muriel Brown says:

    Dan and I love reading the headstones in cemeteries. There is so much history and stories on these memorial markers. Sometimes the few words written say volumes! It helps keep our lives in perspective and how valuable each day is. Your paintings and especially this one are a reminder of the beauty that surrounds each one of us and should never be taken for granted. Thanks again, Peter.

  • David Huntoon says:

    Peter, nice work. Enjoy cemeteries too. People at rest after playing their part in life. Are there any Huntoon family plots in your area? Am guessing so. Would like to see someday and take some photos before my time is up!

  • Peter Huntoon says:

    Thanks David! I’m afraid I don’t know of any Huntoon plots other than my parents. (and their parents) I am sure there are a few to be found however.

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