Artists were so amazed and impressed by Hunter’s work they simply had to own one of his pictures. We asked him to tell us about his creative process and career because we thought you would also be interested in seeing those remarkable paintings and learning more about the Vermont artist and graphic designer.

“Lower St. Regis Lake,” oil, 9 x 12. Collection of Dennis Farris

"I like to say that my painting style is one of frenzy, born out of ineptitude. I am challenged by the attempt to catch the fleeting drama of what I witness at any given moment, so I keep my palette down to burnt sienna, viridian and French ultramarine (I'll throw in Naples yellow and titanium white if I'm feeling sporty). I try to get my point across by any means necessary, and I most often use water-miscible oils which work well for me, except during downpours.

I cover the entire surface of canvas with a washy mix of the three colors, then I pull out highlights and create large areas of negative space by removing the paint with paper towels (I'm a Bounty man, myself), Q-tips and Stim-U-Dents (which I chew more or less constantly while painting).

“Paul Smith’s Dorm,” oil, 6 x 12. Collection of Laurel Daniel

I'm attracted to paintings that look like they simply had to be made; and I like to see the evidence of the awesome struggle (awesome to us painters, anyway) between the painter and the essence of the subject. That’s what I tell my prospective buyers when they look curiously at the drips, fingerprints, dead bugs, dirt and twigs that seem to fling themselves onto the surfaces of my paintings.

The "Publisher's Invitational" Paint the Adirondacks was incredible fun. I got up early every morning, painted all day in the company of others - all of us in love with the sacred act of painting - then went back to the Student Center at night to compare notes, gawk at the beauty of how others witness life and talk art-nerd talk ("actual rabbit skin glue, no kidding?") while hoisting a few cold ones. For five days! It don't get much better than that."

“Loj Road,” oil, 12 x 24. Collection of B. Eric Rhoads

 
Charlie Hunter was raised in Weatherfield Center, Vermont where he was home schooled in the house built by his great great great grandfather. Hunter majored in art at Yale University, and he lived in Northampton, Massachusetts in the 1980s and 1990s, working as a graphic designer and music manager, and he returned to Vermont in 2000. During his years as a designer, Hunter created over fifty album covers.

Hunter now exhibits his paintings in galleries throughout the Northeastern United States, and his works are in numerous private collections. When not painting, he runs occasional transcontinental music and art trains, live music events, and is active in local farmers’ markets. For more information, visit his website: www.hunter-studio.com.

“Evening Near Osgood Pond,” oil, 16 x 32. Collection of Maria Amor.