Reflections on a Marsh Apr 13, 2020

Often in art and maybe in life, more is done with less.

Constraints, self imposed or otherwise, serve to minimize available options.

Simplicity prevails.

Creative clarity supersedes indecision and overwhelm.

There’s an inherent integrity and grace in making the most of what we DO have.

The power of limits.

Here, the West Rutland Marsh gently transitions between seasons.

I chose a limited palette of warm ochre to reflect that mood, and my own.

12X16
Oil on panel

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Comments Add Yours

  • Lenor Filler says:

    I need some spring .. this is a somber mood .. things are blooming where I am in Va. now

  • Chris Thrane says:

    Peter,
    Getting you email today gave me a smile which today was hard to come by!
    Be well my friend.

  • Sheila McCormack says:

    Simply beautiful, Peter! The following is a verse from the Shaker song “Simple Gifts.” ‘Tis a gift to be simple, ’tis a gift to be fair. ‘Tis a gift to wake and breathe the morning air. And each day we walk on the path that we choose, ‘Tis a gift we pray we never shall lose. // Thank you for sharing the gift of your art and thoughts each week.

  • cynthia adams says:

    Well said……. fitting for the sad, difficult times; Yet, we will transition also and Nature will proceed..

  • Martha Sagi says:

    this painting reminds me of hope in the mist of darkness. And life flows like water. Thanks again for sharing your amazing creations.

  • Melodie Saladino says:

    Beautiful. Maybe it’s the reflections and somber mood that draws me to this painting. My friend, Ellen, who is the one who told me all about you and your unique paintings, has suffered a stroke and having a hard time. I think of her when I see this. She has a long road to recovery, but like this painting, will later reflect upon it, and the seasons will change for her. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

  • Susan Roberts says:

    Beautiful…reminds us that there is beauty in life even in the somber times

  • Brian Blaine says:

    Hidden among the muted colors of an early spring marsh lies opportunity. Now we can investigate the saga of life that was happening unseen during the previous months of cold. Winter ravaged and torn rushes now reveal such treasures as tracks in the mud and muskrat chewed roots and grasses, hinting of what mysteries were recently taking place unknown under a now vanished shroud of snow and ice. I contemplate this painting and can almost hear the song of newly returned blackbirds heralding a new season.

  • Victoria Schneider says:

    Once again, poet-artist that you are, a stunning and meditative painting has revealed itself. This is such a study for all of us to just “be”…wherever we are…and to patiently wait…to embrace the simplicity of our surroundings. I LOVE this one, Peter….it just may have to make its way into my small collection of your works. Thank you for your contemplative vision.

  • Anne Ratkus says:

    Another lovely painting. You have such talent. This picture of the “West Rutland Marsh” reminds me of fishing with my dad in Vermont brooks.

  • J. C. Smith says:

    Love your beautiful paintings and meaningful words! Beautiful, understated simplicity! All perfect . . . thank you! Especially welcome in these troubled times.

  • Mary Fran says:

    Such a beautiful painting, Peter, of this peaceful place; where life lurks in the darkness as a response to the light that continues to sustain their life. Thank you for always “Being Here” for all of us.

  • Maureen Rees says:

    This quiet beauty reflects our current isolation, stillness with the subtle promise of new life ahead.

  • Deanie says:

    Sending warm ochre feelings to you, too…

  • Carole Hinners says:

    I love that place and when I feel like my world is about to implode I go there to find my strength again.
    Thank you for your perfect portrait of that marsh.

  • Carol Little says:

    The limited palette conveys unity, and the subject, the resilience of nature and the hope for new growth. I like this very subtle piece.

  • Michael Emerick says:

    Once again I was greeted by an example of your curiousity, your daring to get out of any comfort zone you may find or feel yourself living in. I am addicted to going to your blog on Tuesdays to witness what creative excoriation you have inflicted upon yourself. And the comments speak volumes about how intelligent and sensitive your fans are, to have such insightful and authentic utterances ellicted from.them by your latest effort of discovering who Peter Huntoon is and what he has learned about himself in his latest rendering. Sometimes I think that the name of your blog should be changed to “Zen Moments in Vermont”. But in hindsight, maybe that comes across as pretentious. No, you got it right with “A Day in Vermont”. But that is how your paintings make me feel, and like many of your commentors have so eloquently stated, you lift people’s spirits & comfort them. Onward, Peter! Our souls need your work now more than ever.

  • Michael Emerick says:

    After reading your comments a few times and contemplating each sentiment deeply, these words formed within me, “Do not let yourself be paralyzed by possibility. Welcome it. Let it wash over you, sink into your pores, engage your synapses and charge them with newfound energy. Embrace it as your salvation from the seemingly overwhelming & unconquerable dilemmas in your life. The answers are there for you to discover. As Nike’s slogan advocates…”Just Do It!” S8mplicity personified. Throw off fear’s ugly grip and squeeze every minute of time you have been allotted by fate on this spinning blue ball called Earth. Find joy in your journey, for it ends.all too soon. ❤️

  • Doris Michel says:

    Hi Peter, the corona virus let’s stay at home. But nature begins to breathe and to awake again. Your paintings show a lot of these atmosphere. In the marsh (in German the same word written in another way: Marsch(land) or Moor) is yet a bit greener and the grass begins to spring up. In your region all comes a later and so we see a symphony in pastel gray, brown, broken ocher and rosé. A certain harmony and quietness lays over this landscape with it’s dark marsh water reflecting the light on its surface. Greetings from green Duisburg

  • Peter Huntoon says:

    Thank you all for your comments and support! To know that my work can touch a few nice people in a positive way is powerful motivation to keep doing my best. Now more than ever. Thank you!

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