Pine Hollow Farm Mar 17, 2014

In art and in life, one thing always leads to another.

We were craving roast chicken.

When Robin at the Farmers Market told me about their farm, I thought it would make a good painting.

When I did a demo at the Chaffee Downtown Art Center Friday, I thought it would make a great subject.

Happy ending all around, unless you’re a chicken.

11X14
Watermedia on Panel

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A Day in Vermont is one year old today!

The Top 10 things I learned so far…

1. There is much more to learn. That’s OK, we’re just getting started.

2. Self imposed discipline works. One or two paintings per week has turned out to be just right. I’ve been pretty consistent with two. It’s a scheduled deadline that keeps on coming, an effectively productive personal ploy. This schedule allows enough time to complete two or three private commissions each month, and work on a few other projects. A little more on that soon.

3. Like the painting above, one thing always leads to another. One idea, discovery, or painting leads to the next. The secret is to start. Put the first brush stroke down and see where it leads. It’s all too easy to avoid starting. That’s called RESISTANCE and it takes on many devious forms. I battle it anew every day. (Tip: Read The War of Art by Steven Pressfield)

4. For me at least, sharing the creative experience with you has become just as important as the finished painting. Connection is a powerful thing, and it seems to me that art is an authentic, amazing conduit.

5. I hoped that A Day in Vermont would push me to be the best artist I could be. Producing 101 paintings certainly helped hone my artistic ability. (not to be confused with “talent”) Through steady work, evolution and improvement are inevitable.

6. I don’t have talent. At least not the kind that’s magically bestowed and effortless, if there is such a thing. I definitely don’t count on it. What I do have is focus and faith, stubborn determination, grit, and the audacity to ignore rejection and push through failure.

7. Speaking of rejection, I learned that God and the Universe know best. I applied to an art school MFA program two years ago thinking that would help me become a better artist. I was rejected. Twice. Dusting off disappointment and dismay, I decided to follow my heart instead of my head. Good call. A Day in Vermont rose from the ashes. I’ll never doubt destiny or divine intervention again.

8. I learned that a painting resonates with the emotion that created it. When I pour authentic love, enthusiasm, and joy into a painting, you can feel it.

9. There’s a few of us stranded way out west. I’ll adjust the auction start/end time from 9:00 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST moving forward.

10. I married the right woman. My wife Mareva Millarc is also an artist. I guess it takes one to know one. That stubborn determination isn’t always, um…needed. She’s understanding, compassionate and supportive. I count on her advice and wisdom. She’s not afraid to tell me when I’ve painted a stinker, and strong enough to pull me up out of a hole. That’s love.

11. Art is long, life is short. I’m grateful for every day, each an opportunity to savor life and the beauty around us. It’s indeed a privilege to celebrate that through art and share the experience with you. Your support is inspiring and I couldn’t do this without you. You bring out my very best. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

12. I’m still terrible at math.

Getting Well Soon

Thanks to Dr. Conway and the exceptional staff at Rutland Regional Medical Center, there’s one less hernia in the world.

I’ll be back to full speed in a couple of weeks, so one painting per week until then.

Comments Add Yours

  • David Churchill says:

    Happy St. Patrick’s Day. I love that picture of a typical Vermont farm. (I’m also terrible at math. My least favorite subject in school.)

  • DOROTHY T WEBBER says:

    Amazing…I can see the reflections in the road, ..ice? Love your work and enjoyed watching you
    create.

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thank you Dorothy, yes, the foreground and road were “made up” from what was naturally occurring with the running paint. I love doing that. It could be ice and reflection for sure!

  • Ann McFarren says:

    Peter, I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your “Day in Vermont” weekly series this winter. Not only the paintings, but also your insightful comments , humor and most of all , your determination ! IT has been something to look forward to , on my continued road to recovery. Good luck on your recovery !

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Hello Ann, and thanks for checking in! I’m so glad you are enjoying the posts. I hope you are doing well and painting up your usual storm this winter. I’ll see you soon!

  • I am so with you on the procrastination/negative demons that keep us from a beginning … for you, it’s your daily art and for me it’s writing. In one of my many reincarnations, I am the features writer for the Cheshire Citizen. (It’s not Shakespeare, but it’s interesting and resembles what I used to do full-time.)
    It’s hard to start a new story … to actually “sit” and write … to find that initial inspiration and feeling. It’s tough. I just saw a quote online from author and former NPR voiceover guy, Frank Tavares, “There is no muse. Don’t wait for it. Just sit and write.” So you are correct — discipline wins out. ;-D
    Thank you for your wonderful art. We have two of them in our house … love them.
    Best-
    Joy
    ps- since you’re in recovery mode, you have time to read? if so, here’s a sample of my work:
    http://issuu.com/cheshirecitizen/docs/cheshire3.28/1
    http://issuu.com/cheshirecitizen/docs/cheshire9.20.12

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      We pack a lunch and go to work. Thanks for the comments, support, and link Joy. We can’t wait around for inspiration, although it’s great when it does appear. When it does, it’s only when we have already begun. I look forward to reading your work.

  • Barby Carr says:

    Hey Peter, Lovely painting! So glad to have you back : -) You are very much appreciated by so many of us for your paintings, your words, your friendship and for just being you! We love you and Mareva and hope you are feeling 100% soon. Barby and David

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      We have a good thing going Barby. Thanks for all your support over the first year in Vermont. Here’s to many more!

  • Brian Dugan says:

    Glad you’re back. If this were a True/False quiz, #6 is false! Congratulations on completing the first year. I’m looking forward to lots more.

  • D Farrington says:

    I very much enjoy the weekly post! ….. replying to #7 on your list: Did you know that Charles Schultz (Peanuts/Snoopy creator) failed an art class called ‘Drawing Children’ . Later, after serving in the war he returned and actually taught for that same Art School and created his internationally famous comic strip empire! Anxious to see some of your Spring themed work in the coming weeks 🙂 We have had a very long, very cold winter here in Iowa and all are anticipating Spring with lust !!.

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thank you D, that’s a great story! Although I thoroughly enjoyed painting the snow all winter I too am looking forward to spring!

  • Gloria Leon says:

    Thank you for the inspiring words today. I needed to hear that as I struggle to make my way.

  • Don Senecal says:

    Wishing you a speedy recovery from that pesty little hernia removal and a HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

  • Margaret Hildick-Pytte says:

    Prayers for a fast recovery and that warm Spring weather comes soon… This is a very nice painting and love the colors, Keep well!

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thank you Margaret, I hope to see you again this year on one of your visits. All the best to Tony too!

  • Muriel Brown says:

    So glad to hear you are on the mend! We were extremely disappointed to miss you at the Chaffee but Dan put his back out and now he is on the couch for a week. Don’t over do and let us know when you will demonstrate again. Your pictures are a blessing to our eyes. Glad you didn’t get accepted at art school. They would probably have ruined you. Looking forward to many more delights for our eyes.

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Please let Dan know I’m thinking about him. I have enjoyed my couch time but I’m eager to get back to work. Thanks so much for all your support!

  • Edie says:

    Peter, Not are your paintings wonderful, but your comments and helpful hints are too. (I’ve recommended A Day in Vermont to friends out of state as well as in.) I look forward to seeing what you do to an “ordinary” scene, and how you make it come alive. My best wishes to you for a speedy recovery.

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thanks Edie, I think another thing I am learning is….the more I invest myself into any scene, the more alive it comes. Or another way to say it, the more I give… the more I get.

  • Sukie Knight says:

    Love the barns, so Vermontish. It is fun to see each new project you produce, so take it easy in your recovery and am sure the future will bring lots more masterpiece sfrom your brushes:)) Also thanks for sharing your personal journey with us as it is very inspiring to everyone, I think, no matter how we show our talents.

  • Larry Day says:

    Peter, my friend Sue from Rutland turned me on to your site earlier in the year. I’m a Vermonter who has not lived in VT since my high school days, but its still “home”. Your paintings bring a smile to my face. Love your painting hanging in my house in TN. Keep up the inspirational work!

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      Thanks for checking in Larry. Always good to hear from folks who miss “home” and I’m glad I can help keep you a little closer. I was in Rutland today and a fresh painting idea sparked…

  • Lyn Ash says:

    We love your “Day in Vermont” series and your wonderful comments on each picture add another dimension to your beautiful paintings. We’re enjoying our “Snow Day” painting which arrived last week. I believe we’ve “mooed” at some of those cows while driving by their barn when we lived in N Clarendon. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

  • Betsy Lenora says:

    I love the melted water look at the bottom of this painting. Glad you survived your operation. An artist I know wrote a book called, “Don’t Make Art, Just Make Something.” Seems to fit what you were saying.

  • Sue Atkinson says:

    I love this one, Peter. So glad to hear you are on the mend. I am looking forward to longer days, warmer sunshine & more of your art and inspiration this Spring! God Bless You!

    • Peter Huntoon says:

      I’m looking out my window right now at the warm light and long shadows with another hour or so of light left….at 5:45. Nice! Thanks Sue!

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