Dorset Church Dec 10, 2018

I’ve long admired this church, her understated architecture and rugged, old world craftsmanship.

Irresistible inspiration is a good place to start for an artist. A clear concept helps, too.

Here, I imagined my brushes as chisels, carving the entire painting out of a single block of stone.

Gradually, chip by chip, the subject emerged.

12X16
Oil on panel

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  • Alison DeVito says:

    Oh, my sweet little Dorset! I have such wonderful memories from my childhood of this wonderful town from going to plays at the Dorset Playhouse, gazing with wonder at the quarry nearby and shopping for yummy items at what was once Peltier’s (we will always call it that!) My mom gave me the church cookbook for Christmas a couple of years ago – now I can enjoy Dorset all year long from New Jersey!

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thanks Alison!

    • Marion says:

      Reading your comment felt like I had jumped back into my 10 year old self. I also spent my childhood summers at my grandmother’s house in Dorset, going to the Dorset Playhouse (and ushering there one summer), swimming at the quarry every day, and getting a bottle of soda from Peltier’s. I also played tennis at the Dorset Field Club, and read almost every book at the Dorset Library (Children’s section). Every once in a while, I bought comic books at the gas station (owned by a Mr. Park?). I returned to Dorset several years ago and was surprised to see how my beloved quarry had changed, overrun with radios blaring and many groups picnicking everywhere. I returned early the next morning and not a soul was there, and I was able to capture the early morning stillness and reflect back to once was.

  • Olivia Teja says:

    Beautiful church and of course painting, I love churches! In the East the first building to be built in a new town was a church,I grew up in the Oklahoma and discovered that the first building that was built out there was a saloon!

  • Maureen Manning says:

    Beautiful church and beautiful work! I’ve seen this church many times in my travels in beautiful Vermont’sVermont’s

  • Gloria J Cummiskey says:

    So Beautiful and magical. Thank you. Merry Christmas to you

  • Lenor Filler says:

    An unusual church for N.E. not many are stone great picture as always { from a Congregational ministers wife .who lived all over N.H., Ma. and Ct. }

  • Arlene Hirst says:

    What a beautiful representation of the lovely church in Dorset, one of my favorite towns in Vermont!

  • cynthia adams says:

    Incredible capture of the historic detail; very inviting, and the early winter scene adds to your amazing skills.

  • brian blaine says:

    Not only did you manage to “chisel” with paint, but you welcomed us by “shoveling” the walkway and steps! Beautifully done, with exquisite color choice and development.

  • Karen Moorman says:

    I do love old churches. This is beautiful Again thank you for your day brightener every Monday.

  • Karen Moorman says:

    Gorgeous painting. I love old churches and the painting is wonderful as is every Monday Thank you

  • Doug says:

    The exterior of the Dorset Church is quite stunning indeed! Every stone block artfully chiseled and meticulously linked. The culmination of this undertaking resulted in a structure, which by its architecture alone, communicated the feeling of sanctuary and permanence. However, the true beauty of this church is found within those chiseled stone walls. Upon walking past the massive red doors, one is immediately consumed by the warm wood interior, dazzled by a rainbow of color streaming through the stain glassed windows, and greeted with the sounds of laughter and joy. So, if you ever find yourself in Dorset admiring the exterior of this beautiful New England church, knock on the big red doors and be prepared to be amazed!

  • Carol Little says:

    Beautiful! I like the idea of imagining the brush as a chisel! Great results!

  • Fr. Andrew Carlson says:

    Simply gorgeous. Your work is exquisite, Peter. Do you ever take suggestions of scenes to paint? Thanks!

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