Spring Thaw - 2026!

St. Lawrence River Front - Mid-February

Tidings All ~ Spring 2026 has arrived! (Sort of.) - Time to catch-up!

My garage area - Mid-March 

 From November to mid-March, I hunkered down like most into a typical Canadian winter. There was a lot - (and I mean, a LOT!) - of snow in Eastern Ontario this year. 

While stunningly picturesque at times, it also made local travel often treacherous and difficult.

So, I hunkered down and hibernated. 

... I wasn't completely isolated - or comatose ...

There were several things I had to sort in my library: older 'mlhpro/APC' files, a myriad of mum's family photos, and the paper remnants of dad's 'woodworking studio'. 

Stoneacres, circa 1980s

Those tasks took a lot longer than I'd planned, particularly in the photo department where I was often at a loss remembering who-was-who and what-images-were-taken-where - by mum - so long ago ... 

Still, all rather fun to review older photos of family fun at our centuries-old farm home, Stoneacres, (now sold.) 

 ... Found this lovely shot, when the Persian lilacs were in bloom ... 

I also took numerous outdoor breaks to shovel snow (-!!!-) and I even attempted some x-country skiing down to the river and back. Sadly, my left boot ripped open at the toes after several runs. 

X-Country Skiing through the backwoods down to the river, and yup, the 2025 Dominoes Trophy.

[Sidebar: The ski conditions were PERFECT this past winter! (-IYKYK!-)] - Plus, my goodly neighbour and I had regular Sunday domino matches. I won the 2025 cup. (She's held it for the past two years.) All in all, I was perfectly content to be holed-up in my wee stone house: I do love my new home.

Next up was the resurrection of an older project that's been sitting in my writing box for well over a decade. (Think of a naturalistic 'Alice in Wonderland'- meets -'Anne of Green Gables'.) 

Originally intended as an illustrated children's story, I have re-aligned with the talented graphic artist, Paul Schultz. (He assisted with the print materials for my short 26-minute film, The Frozen Goose, way back when.) 

Before Paul could get underway, I had to revise and rewrite much of the story and then insert thumbnail sketches where I thought the images might best work to amplify the tale. 

MLH Thumbnails and a long ago Preliminary Illustration for Children's Story by MLHolton

After a month or so of back-and-forth, I'm thrilled to say Paul is now well underway. We're in full production mode now, and, with luck, it should be releasing under my Acorn Press Canada imprint in the fall of 2026.  The working title  ....  RIVER WALK - by yours truly :) --- Illustrated by Paul. - It should be good. Watch for it! And you'll hear more about it later.

Once that project was off the decks, I settled into a new New Year's undertaking ... For most of my 50-odd years as a practising Canadian artist, I've avoided ever attempting 'watercolour painting' - why? because that was always 'mum's thing'. Now, with dear old mum gone, I'm slowly exploring the discipline ... I am discovering painting with the translucence of watercolours demands a completely different mind-set than painting with opaque acrylics or oils . (Of course, both these mediums can be 'cut', though I've seldom done that with either medium.)

2026 Sample watercolours by MLHolton - Still LEARNING ... 

I'm very intrigued how the 'water-on-paper' dynamics work. I'm also hopelessly impatient waiting for any applied washes to dry ... (I've not resorted to the commonly-used hair-dryer, yet!) - I do rush, then pause, then over-work ... arg!! - It's definitely a challenge to find the working rhythm that best matches my own temperament. 

I can also see, repeatedly, why it is a preferred medium for so many. When it does work  - by accident or design - the results can be most satisfying. Watercolours lure you in so that you want to try & try again ... I've been doing just that for the past month and a half ... with one major side-jump to this large 26"square painting ... 'Sunrise Over Anchorage Bay, St.Lawrence River, 2026'. (NFS). - I think it turned out rather well. It's now framed and hanging over my fireplace.

Sunrise Over Anchorage Bay, St.Lawrence River (P.29.No.1) by MLHolton

Now, at the start of April 2026, with the last piles of snow gushing off to the St.Lawrence River, the Grand Melt is on. Snowdrops and daffodils are TRYING to erupt here after this long winter. We're not quite there yet, BUT, it's trying ... even if more snow is predicted for NEXT week on top of a good dose of freezing rain in the next few days ... Ah! Winter in Canada!

Until all that passes through, I'm still hunkered down - 

Happy Spring Everyone. We've ALMOST made it!! ;)  

Until next time - 
Margaret Lindsay Holton

Canadian Artist & Author 

Writing from The Gate House in Elizabethtown, Eastern Ontario, Canada 

p.s. With a shout-out of thanks to those who remembered: yup, the ol' gal hits 71 this weekend!

MLH in Georgian Bay, circa 1960s, THANKS MUM.

 

  

 

Checking in: New Painting & News

Phew. It's WARM out there! ... 87F in the shade ...

 

 'Woodland', Acrylic on Primed Canvas, by MLHolton'

 

In response, I have taken cover in the studio. Recently finished this inviting woodland scene that BREATHES with soft light, soft colours and overall 'coolness'. Final image is 31" square, acrylic on primed canvas, entitled 'Woodlands'. It will be available AFTER my 'Open Studio' on October 16th during Canada Culture Days.( Please drop a line if interested to purchase: a deposit will be required.) 

In other news, I've been very busy with the edit on the up-coming short story collection, STICKS AND STONES, and the new musical CD, GROUP THINK. Not quite ready yet, but getting there ... More on both projects will be posted soon on my social media outlets -  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on here, my general work site. So, hold tight. -- They're a comin'! - (Follow along via your preferred social media!)

IN THE MEANTIME, hang in there ... Keep your cooooooool ...

Four-Page Spread - MLHolton in #HillStrath Spring 2021 Review

 

From my old primary school, situated on top of the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada - a very nice profile of my work over the past few decades in both art-making and writing ...

      As an 'old girl' (from many moons past went), I can attest to the solid educational framework that this private day school offers.  As an attending youngster, I LOVED the teachers, (even though some were ferocious on the outside, hint-hint, Mrs.LeRoy!). 

Overall, I appreciated the small class sizes, the wide-ranging curriculum that was devoted to creating well-rounded little girls and boys, the active sports days & theatrical productions, the life-long friendships made and the mushy peas at lunch hour in the school cafeteria! It was a wonderful place to just 'grow' .... 

'Immersed in Art' - a very much appreciated four-page spread about me in the 2021 Spring Edition of the Hillfield Strathallan College Review. 

Read the whole article here: https://www.hsc.on.ca/alumni/hsc-review

 (Page 3 of 4 ... Read the rest via link above.)  

Dundas Valley School of Art - 50th Annual Spring Auction - Margaret Lindsay Holton

Thrilled to be included in the on-line art auction for the Dundas Valley School of Art this year, running from April 12th - to - the 17th. With another 3-week 'shut-down' imposed by the provincial government throughout Ontario, (effective Friday), it's becoming increasingly more difficult for traditional artists to show and sell their work locally. 

(... FYI, the #NFT 'digital art' craze sweeping through the global 'screen-living' community is not, sad to say, doing very much for those who have long honoured the challenge - and commitment - to make actual physical objects to beautify and enhance public and private 'real life' spaces ... )

In any case, I have put up a small, framed painting of Lake Ontario. The viewpoint in that work is from the center of the lake - where waves, wind and the horizon meet ...

It is hoped this vibrant small painting will appeal to all 'lake-dwellers', especially fans of the #GreatLakes of #NorthAmerica.

Fifty percent - 50% - of the final auction price is earmarked for the DVSA school so that they can continue their GOOD WORK to encourage and develop artists in a broad range of disciplines throughout the Golden Horseshoe region of Ontario.

Please SIGN UP, look for my item under my name - or - #AU501

PLACE YOUR BID !!! -- May the Best Bid Win!

**50th DVSA ANNUAL SPRING AUCTION**

LINK HERE >> 'LIVE'Auction Site<< 

Register NOW. Bidding starts Monday, April 12th at 9am - runs until April 17th, 9pm.  

 >>> P.S. DIRECT LINK TO MLH PAINTING!! <<<

 --- and SOLD!  -- Yeah!

.... excerpt from  MLH Spring 2021 News Update ...

Painting in Defiance by MLHolton

When 2020 started, there was an a genuine sense of excitement at the start of not only a New Year, but a whole new decade. Sure, the world wasn't perfect, and MANY social, economic and personal 'injustices' continue, but, overall, in the main, Life is Good. The following was my first painting for the year, entitled 'Spring, From the Mountain, 2020'. The ground is still hard, remnants of winter remain, but the light, the blessed LIGHT, changes. The Earth responds and new growth emerges. Living beside and near Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes of North America, is a blessing. Not only do I get to see the land awake from slumber, but the lake heaves, rolls and shakes off its icy cleansing burden. The whole cycle begins again. This hillside promontory is near the farm. It's a root, a deep root, with a view that I adore ...

Spring, from the Mountain 2020, by MLHolton

And yet, as the year went on, the COVID pandemic swept over the land. It didn't affect the land or the lake, per se, it just devastated human activity. We turned into moles as we burrowed into our homes, locked the doors and barred the windows. In isolation, we did as best we could. Many turned into screen addicts for their lifeline to the 'outside' world. At one point, I made a statement about that with the following painting, 'I am Here'. Living and breathing, movement and eating are the mainstays of our 'existence'. We live because we are alive. A truism perhaps, but how else to say it? I am ALIVE. 

Detail from 'I am Here' by MLHolton (this is a LARGE piece, 7' by 5'.)

 

As the months continued, the seasons changed as they always do. We went through spring, summer, fall and now enter winter of this awful year. And yet, within the human tragedy and collapse of commerce, we survive. We are diminished, but we are surviving. Solitary walks in nature became the greatest balm to the frightened. We found comfort in the remarkable 'routine' of Nature. Plants grew, harvest came, snow falls. And here we are. The first serious snow of the season 'dumped' a few days ago and blanketed the dwindling fall landscape. Promises of a vaccine have arrived. We have adjusted, we have adapted, we are changing to the new reality. Our communal spheres have been reshaped by a new-found love of humanity. At the end of the day, let's hold on to that. Love Humanity. We can and will make it through this as well as what's next. My last painting of the year, 'First Snow 2020', is an imaginative work, based on familiar back-country hills. Farming fields lie dormant now, but they will come back ... Hang in there people. We're almost through it. 

I will be sending out my winter newsletter shortly. If you are not on my mailing list, jump back here in about a week and look for it on the side tab under newsletters. Other than that, try to enjoy the descending winter. Get out there as much as you can. Revel in the on-going blessed beauty of it all. Continue to pursue those pandemic-induced resolutions ... Be Better. Be Healthier. Be Kinder.

xox mlh 

'First Snow, 2020' by MLHolton

Spring 2020 - Two Paintings by MLHolton

The euphoria felt at Spring's arrival is undeniable. It's like everything is waking from a great long slumber and S-T-E-T-C-H-I-N-G - WIDE AWAKE!

Two paintings follow, one painted last week -'Spring - from the Mountain Brow, 2020'.

The latter is an older Spring painting, when the warmth of the air and soil nurtures tulips to bloom.

#EarthDayEveryDay

Spring -from the Mountain Brow, 2020 - by MLHolton - (Signed and Dated)

Tulips in the Garden - by Canadian Artist, Margaret Lindsay Holton

'Magic Hour' by MLHolton, at BAYSCAPES, Toronto

I have donated one of my older paintings - 'MAGIC HOUR, Georgian Bay' - 

to the annual fundraising auction for the Georgian Bay Land Trust - BAYSCAPES.

'Magic Hour, Georgian Bay' by MLHolton, , 24" sq, acrylic on plywood, framed

Auction Date: FRIDAY, Nov. 22nd, 7-11pm.

- BAYSCAPES - 

Location: ARTSCAPE, Wychwood Barns, 

601 Christie Street, Toronto

Join the Georgian Bay Land Trust on November 22nd for BAYSCAPES! 

This annual fundraiser brings the Georgian Bay community together 

for a Fun Night of art, entertainment & friendly bidding

---  in support of wilderness conservation on Georgian Bay. 

Enjoy complimentary food and drink courtesy of some of Georgian Bay’s favourite suppliers. 

Bid on fantastic bay-themed art, items, and experiences in the live and silent auctions. 

Great Event!  Tickets on-line or at the door!

Live music! Horsey-do-overs ;)! 

Plenty of Art and Fascinating Bay people! 

I've donated this piece for a Great Cause! Get thee there!

Update: By all accounts a superb event!
Photos generously supplied by GBLT of 'Magic Hour, Georgian Bay' by MLHolton - in situ ....

Preliminary Painting - by Margaret Lindsay Holton

Preliminary - by MLHolton (2017) 

It's always fascinating to see which piece of art a client prefers

In 2017, I did the adjacent work, on some scrap paper, exploring a new brush technique on a fixed colour palette ...

I very much liked the 'cross-hatch' effect on this particular colour field and did a short series of landscapes to amplify my evolving discoveries.

A visiting client saw the effort, including this preliminary piece.

I was super delighted that he instantly bought it, then and there, unmounted and unframed. Bit of a surprise to me, but that's really how it goes sometimes. People just like what they like! - It really is that simple. - mlholton

The Hunt .... exploring and enjoying the bold palette  ... by MLHolton

... final effort in that series ... 'Sunset Thru the Trees' by MLHolton

Preliminary Painting - by MLHolton - SOLD
(NB: there's some colour distortion in this client supplied photo repro)

MLH OPEN STUDIO - June 3rd, 2018 - 3-5pm

Thrilled to be a part of Hamilton Arts Week, June 2 - 9th, 2018. 

Will 'represent' the Hamilton Beach Community 

via my lakeside studio. 

SUNDAY - JUNE 3rd, 2018 - 3-5pm 

Margaret Lindsay Holton 
OPEN STUDIO

EVENT LISTING: Visit spectacular lake-side ART STUDIO of multi-disciplined, award-winning Golden Horseshoe artist, Margaret Lindsay Holton. Known for her distinctive 'naive-surreal-folk-abstract' paintings & beguiling photo-collages, Lindsay's distinctive art has established her as one of the regions best loved & collectible artists. Provocative. as well as prolific, come see what she's up to next! 

Family Friendly. Light Refreshments on Site. 

Plus, access to Lake Ontario beach front out front.

MLH Paintings, Photography (pinhole & digital), Books, CDs, DVDs, cards & other MLH ephemera
 - available for review and purchase.

All Welcome! 

HASHTAG: #HAMARTSWEEK

Kindly note, if coming via car, please PARK on side street opposite Harry's Pub. 

Entrance to Studio is via SIDE DOOR on building. Ring Buzzer No. 3. 

(Barking dog is behind the door!) - See you then!

Hamilton  Beach Strip, Lake Ontario waterfront

 Can't make it? Not to worry, some items still available via my art shop page ... HERE.

In Studio - Magic Hour, Georgian Bay by MLHolton

Magic Hour, Georgian Bay - acrylic on board, by MLHolton

This work recently returned to my lakefront studio, and will be here until the end of the month, when it will go back into storage. It's nicely framed, if I say so myself, in a silver wooden plain frame. Size: 25" square. -- If interested to view, please make an appointment -  M-F, 9-5pm. Thanks!

Winter Solstice - Yule Tidings - 2017

Winter Solstice  -Yule Tidings - Acrylic on Board by M.L.Holton

It is so easy to forget the mighty and majestic 

celestial ballet that plays out above us on a daily basis. 

Planets swirl and twirl above and below us. 

We are a part of this ballet too. 

Imagine how far we've come, and yet too,

 imagine how far we have got to go ... 

May the Blessings of a New Year envelop you All. 

May they carry you forward in to this momentous & delicate ballet. 

Twirl on dear friends. 

Twirl on! 

 ...  with love, mlh

p.s. Here's a basic & informative article about the Winter Solstice.

New Paintings: End of 2017 - by Margaret Lindsay Holton

'Sunrise Sunset' by mlholton 2017  - 3 panel set

Once in a Blue Moon ... by MLHolton (acrylic)

 I just love painting - 

whether with brushes (above) or with palette knife (below). 

Each method offers something different.  

'Forest Studies' by mlholton 2017 - 2 panel set

 Which method do you prefer? All are For Sale. 

Please contact the artist for size, price & shipping details. 

'Flower Study' (acrylic & palette knife) by MLHolton

Moonscapes: Paintings by M.L.Holton

....Was looking at the full moon last night and had this acutely CLEAR moment when I just FELT how incredible it is to be standing on this Earth as the precise ballet of planets occurs around us ... This morning, I started to rummage through my paintings to see how often I have depicted this orb.

Some are oils, some are acrylic, some are over 20 years old ...

Marvel at the Celestial!

Moon Over Lake Ontario. Painted by M.L.Holton

Moon Over Farm, Painted by M.L.Holton

Moon Over Lake, (Inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe), Painted by M.L.Holton

Moon Over Lake Ontario I, Painting by M.L.Holton

Moon Over Barn, Painting by M.L.Holotn

Over the Hill, Under the Moon, Back to the Pond, Painting by M.L.Holton

... old one ... Moon at Roger's Gap, Georgian Bay, Painting by M.L.Holton

Moon Over Tews Falls, Painting by M.L.Holton

New Painting: 'The Clearing' by M.L.Holton, Canada, 2017

The Clearing II - Acrylic on Board by M.L.Holton, 2017

 Often, when back country, Up North, I would go a-wandering just to explore the undulating features of the landscape ... I'd keep on because there is ALWAYS something of interest ahead ... The Sun LIGHT stimulates everything we see, eat & touch. It's a guiding natural force. A primal Life force. A defining POWER. So, naturally, when walking towards the setting sun, beguiled and enticed by All, I would simply watch ... looking ahead ...

I rather liked this 'palette' and continued to explore it over the past few days ... 

(Not the greatest of photo below, sorry. Just took a quick snap.) 

Summerscapes by M.L.Holton (2017)

Upper left is on loose primed canvas: a man, woman and dog are visible on the horizon. Lower left was done immediately after Clearing II. I wanted to expand the underbrush and branches with a strong and fluid brush stroke. The result if vaguely oriental, and highly abstract. Finally, the two items on the right were painted on art boards. Simple land shapes, with horizons. But still, to my mind, effective. This colour combo works!

Please contact the artist if interested in purchase.

'Summerscapes - No.6'  by M.L.Holton - SOLD.