The Rainy Day Jul 7, 2014

This painting was started under the open hatchback of my car.

I finished it crouched inside as the steady rain settled in for good.

Each time the rain came, the grazing sheep would pull together.

Like us, maybe they find strength and comfort in each other.

When it rains.

11X14
Oil on linen panel

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Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary.

From The Rainy Day by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 And the Winner is…

Each month I get to give away a free print to one Day in Vermont subscriber. It’s one small way I can show my appreciation for your generous support.

July’s winner is Karen Kysar of Rutland, Vermont. Karen chose “White Iris” and this is what she had to say upon winning…

Remember the crazy people on the “Price is Right” running down the isle screaming. That’s me. To me Vermont means green, fresh air, forward thinking, health kids, good food … quality of life. What I love most about Vermont is our willingness to try new things, Dr. Dinosaur and eating local. I love that I know the people who grow my families food! I recently took my kids on a trip to Los Angels, the first thing they said when we walked out of the airport was “smell the air”. We are so lucky to live where we live! Thanks!!!!!
Karen

Comments Add Yours

  • David Churchill says:

    That picture reeminds me of visiting my grandfather at his farm in Berlin, VT. He used to raise sheep as well. Occasionaly, the lambs would escape the fence and we kids would try to chase them back in. I think my grandfather got a big kick out of this, because he knew the lambs would cme back to their mamas without our “help”. I like the sentiment posted by Karen Kysar above. Whenever I visited Vermont, I instantly got more relaxed and calmer once I crossed the border into Vermont!

  • Anne Dickinson says:

    Lush field – summer in Vermont. The painting illustrates the reason we endure the long winter – for the moment captured in this painting. Impressionist vision of a summer, or perhaps late spring day in our beloved state. And I love the lines from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; I remember when an inferior English teacher made fun of me for identifying his poem about a blacksmith as my favorite. That was the 60’s or early 70’s – this is NOW. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is just fine…

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Yes Anne, winter is a distant memory now and the weather lately was worth the wait. I agree that the things we must endure, like long winters and inferior teachers, serve to make us stronger in the long run.

  • And WE, your followers, are SO blessed to know YOU, Peter. Love this painting, the words of Longfellow and your sentiments about Vt are spot on. I am SO thankful that I grew up there….if only for the first 18 years of my life….but VT remains a special place on this good Earth within my heart! Thanks still yet, and once again, for expressing the beauty of this state through your latest work.

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Hopper said “If I could say it with words there would be no reason to paint.” I think we have very similar feelings about Vermont, and I can’t help but put them in my paintings. It takes two to communicate. Sharing the work with you is a wonderful conversation.

  • Mary Bride says:

    Dear Peter, Thank you so much for letting us feel your love of Vermont. You catch the wonderful essence of summer and the things we take for granted everyday. Looking at your work and website reminds me of just how beautiful our area is. Thank you! Mary

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      We are kindred spirits Mary. I’m grateful every day that my work can touch a few friends in a positive way. Art does have an amazing power to remind us of what’s important.

  • Betsy lenora says:

    This is up there as one of my favorites! (I’m partial to wintry paintings, don’t ask me why). I love the angle, the perspective, of looking up the hill and seeing the small white brush strokes which so obviously look like sheep without having to spell it out to us. The whole scene casts a spell. Thank you, Peter!

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thank you Betsy. Yes, I think of a painting as a collaboration with you. Which means it’s a two way dialog and we both participate in the conversation. We meet halfway and we both contribute. That’s what friends do.

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