Barnard Vermont Oct 26, 2015

An October afternoon sparkles down on the Barnard General Store and Silver Lake.

Creative artists often have the luxury of writing their own job description. For example, I wander around Vermont looking for great subjects to paint.

But dream jobs can come with considerable responsibilities, even if they are self imposed. Doing my best work and sharing it with you are mine.

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The Art of the Start

Did you know that starting is one of the secrets to being an artist?

I get to meet a lot of artists.

But I meet even more nice folks that might like to be.

Personally, I think we all possess the capacity to do some type of creative work. A child doesn’t need much encouragement to pick up a crayon and start drawing, but we adults sure do.

Starting is essential, although it rarely gets mentioned along with other “necessities” like talent, inspiration, just the right colors and brushes, or a suitable studio.

The first order of business to be an artist is to start. Over and over. Every day.

By starting you will develop ever more personal strategies to start your work, whatever that may be.

If you have seen my videos or watched me work, you know I often start with reckless abandon in the form of a wet juicy wash of color. From there, representation and order gradually emerge. There are a few reasons I like to start that way, but the biggest is to just get myself rolling forward.

Sometimes however, I’ll start with order in the form of a drawing, and then encourage organic serendipity on top of that. (As in Barnard Vermont painting process, below)

But remember, it’s not how we start that’s so important.

It’s simply that we do.

Barnard Vermont process 2015

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”  William H. Murray

Comments Add Yours

  • cynthia adams says:

    Clouds, colors and country…. all captured in your magic art. Mondays are always brighter while awaiting the next creation. Thank you….Cindy

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thanks very much Cindy, I love knowing that my art can make Mondays just a little bit brighter for you and a few other friends.

  • Brian Blaine says:

    I enjoyed your comments this week on the “art of the start.” While I never have gotten disciplined enough (yet) to paint daily, I did manage last winter to commit to doing a painting each week for ten weeks. What a difference it made in the quality of my work. Thank you, too, for your commitment to often painting Vermont’s country stores, barns, and bridges. You are preserving in art a precious part of our local history.

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thank you Brian, there is no question that we can make great strides in our work whenever we can muster a consistent habit of practice and production. That “spiral” effect can go up just as it can (too easily) go down. Even one little drawing a day (10 minutes) is a great habit for any would be artist, including myself.

  • sandy filiault says:

    Beautiful!!! I loved your “art with a start” lesson and just hope that you don’t go through the supplies that I do when trying to get off to the start that is going to be your prize! I can’t draw worth a bean but I do try to create a lot of “art” out of fabric which is both fun and frustrating but is always a part of who we are and we just cannot give it up! I really look forward to your new creations. Thank you so much for sharing.
    PS: The Barnard Store and Silver Lake are close and personal to my home and family and Pomfret. Just love the world we live in!

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thanks Sandy, you sound as stubborn as I am. It helps! I have never liked taking up a position of “expert” or authority on anything. Actually I kind of enjoy a perpetual state of “not-knowing” and occasional ambiguity. No pressure to be right. So while I have quite a few golden rules for myself and my art, I hesitate recommending personal strategies to others. In art we all must find our own way. “Starting” has been on my mind lately and I was compelled to throw that out there.

  • Peggy Stattel says:

    I was an art major many many years ago. I loved to sketch, draw and doodle. My teachers said I was cleaver but not very good. I felt discouraged but still had that spark to be creative. I’ve learned that I can use my talents in other ways – designing a garden, quilt, or room arrangement. I might just take up painting again. Right now I’m exploring some other options. As long as I am able to be creative I feel satisfied. Fie on those teachers who discouraged me. I don’t own their work. I do own several of yours. You’re a lot more talented. I’m so glad you start every day.

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thanks Peggy, as I think I have told you before, I was rejected from art school, twice. I’m “almost” over it. Looks like you are too. I’m certain most teachers have more than earned their hall pass directly to Heaven. Unfortunately an ill-timed or even well intentioned comment from an authority figure can do damage to a budding creative mind.

  • Dale Stewart says:

    Love this painting….I grew up in Barnard and spent many days at Silver Lake and the Barnard Store. Brings back fond memories. I paint some myself… But never tried painting BGS or Silver Lake.

  • Betsy lenora says:

    “The Art of the Start” – inspirational! I have an artist in my store who wrote a book called, “Don’t Make Art, Just Make Something” (Miranda Aisling-Haynes). I couldn’t agree more!!!

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thank you Betsy, glad you enjoyed it. I have to go follow some of my own advice now and start a new painting for next Monday. 🙂

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