New Series: Mountain Studies - New Paintings by M.L.Holton

I've been thinking a lot about mountains lately, as a natural 'form': how they tower above us, yet draw their vitality from below (like volcanoes, or mountain ridges that are the result of massive shifting geo-plates).

Mountain Study - HOPE - by M.L.Holton / acrylic on board / FOR SALE

Humans engage with these 'forms' in a variety of different emotional ways, either with veneration (appealing to hope and lofty sentiments of aspiring majesty etc,) or with fear (of a greater unknown, an object forbidding and insurmountable, of threatening power etc.)

I want and need to explore this further ...

I'll be drawing on my past experiences of time spent in & around the 'new' mountains of British Columbia and Alberta, first as a teen and then as an older woman. And I'll be considering too the 'older' mountains of Quebec & Ontario, those old rollers who lack the sharp edges of the West. I grow up and around the ancient strata of the Niagara Escarpment of Ontario ...

Mountains BECKON ... they draw us to them.

Mountain Study - Prospecting - by M.L.Holton / acrylic on board - FOR SALE

My preferred tool for this exploration is a trowel, or painter's spatula - with a very sharp flat edge to 'carve' and 'excavate'  paint. Inherent is this idea is the notion of 'prospecting' - or hunting - for minerals, gold, or food and water - hunting for nourishment - literal and metaphysical ...

(If interested in the above works, let me know.
For now, I'm not framing anything.)

UPDATE, March 27th. 
Have finished the triptych - with a gold leaf 'vein' running through all 3 boards.
I will be framing only the centre board ... 

Triptych - Mountain Core - Acrylic with gold leaf, by M.L.Holton, 2017

Centre panel - Triptych - Mountain Core, by Canadian painter, M.L.Holton

New 2016 Painting by Canadian Artist, M.L.Holton

'In Flight' by M.L.Holton, 2016, acrylic on primed canvas - with gold highlights

 Not 100% sure about the title yet, but, for now, it's called, 'In Flight'. 

... It looks 'tropical', doesn't it? ...

However, the disappearance of the polar ice in the Arctic 

is an on-going worrisome reality.  I had thought to 

call this piece, somewhat ironically, 'Northwest Passage'... 

The way things are going, I still might.

If interested in purchasing this piece, please 

get in touch for final dimensions & price. 

It's now signed, dated & numbered.

I will be framing it in a black wooden frame, soon. - mlh

Pipelines - Painting by M.L.Holton

'Pipelines' by M.LHolton, 2016, Acrylic on Board

We are in a profound 'transitional' period that will, (if we last that long), be the hallmark of our generation. Were we able to wean ourselves off our dependence on fossil fuels? Did we rise up against the powerful global businesses, banks and puppet governments that promote & subsidize them? OR, did we succumb? Were we overwhelmed? Were we, in the end, sent into war to fight for their legally protected stock-market vested interests? - ?!? - Did we ALLOW these on-going Rapers of the Earth to continue with their thoughtless defilement of our collective HOME?  

Did we STAND UP - finally - for MOTHER EARTH?

This painting came from a very powerful and vivid dream. Today, I stand in unison with the indigenous people of the planet, the 'canaries in the coal mine', who have - for decades - warned us of our off-kilter and unhealthy relationship with the Creators'  life-sustaining planet. 

EVERY Act we make TODAY determines our collective FUTURE - as just one species of many.

EVERY DAY we can choose to consciously live in harmony with the planet - or not.

... EVERY DAY we CHOOSE ...

Are YOU a Care-taker? - OR - just a taker? 

Please also consider this short film from Bealtaine Cottage, a vital permaculture residence in Ireland ...

And, this - Stand with the Standing Rock Sioux - Video of Robert Redford's Request.

M.L.Holton in 21st Art-in-the-Workplace Exhibit at MIP

Woohoo! - Thrilled to be included in the 21st Art-in-the Workplace Art Exhibit in the wonderful atrium at McMaster Innovation Park!  I'm 'in' with a new work from this year, 'FROZEN LAKE II'. (With a 'tip-hat tribute' to my filmmaking efforts from earlier in the year on my short indie film, 'The FROZEN GOOSE'  - phew, DONE!!!)

This acrylic work below is now framed in a silver-tinted wooden frame. (Looks very sharp if I say so myself!)  If interested in purchase, please contact me directly for final framed size, and price. (Email contact is on the right of this post at the top of blog page.)Thanks.

The 21st Exhibit Grand Opening will be held on August 4, 2016. - 7-9pm

The art will remain on display until November 2nd, 2016. - Come SEE!

Frozen Lake 2 - Acrylic on board, by M.L.Holton

21st Art-in-the-Workplace Exhibit 

at McMASTER INNOVATION PARK
GRAND OPENING: August 4th, 2016
7-9pm

175 Longwood Road South, 

Hamilton, Ontario, CANADA 

Always a great show with diverse and 

 interesting paintings, sculpture and photography! 

(I think this is my 6th time showing at MIP!!) 

Easy access via 403 and/or QEW link-in. Southern Ontario, Canada.

 On-site parking is available for a small fee near the main building, 

OR park on the 'open field' lot behind main building for 'Free'.

COME on OVER and SEE some really GREAT art!  

Instant Bliss - by Margaret Lindsay Holton

Instant Bliss by MLH - acrylic on canvas

Sorry, not the best photo repro ... This item is 5 feet wide, 30" high, (I lost the light on the right.) Overall though, it should give you a  good sense of that moment when you just LOOK UP through cherry tree limbs to find INSTANT BLISS. -- Yes, SPRING is finally here. Contact artist for better photos (!)- and/or purchase particulars. - See you on the outside peeps! It's glorious out there. - mlh

Paint Poem to Lola Donoghue

Periodically I come across a painter whose work, for a variety of emotional and intellectual reasons, appeals a great deal to me. One such is a contemporary Irish painter, Lola Donoghue. I find her work to be equally titillating, nuanced and evocative. Subtle palettes are suddenly punched with boldness, suggestive shapes work magic in the imagination and the seeming simplicity cleverly masquerades a medley of masks ...

I've painted one of my 'Paint Poems', in gratitude, for the inspiration - and skill - she shares. The two images below show, first, her 'Flamingo': the inspiration for my work, then mine - an mlh Paint Poem Tribute.

Kindly note, my aim is never to slavishly 'copy' another artist's work. Rather, I prefer to 'explore' painterly processes within their preferred palettes. I find it very instructive, rewarding and, as mentioned, inspiring ...  ----  Lola - I just LOVE your work! Thank you.

Flamingo by Lola Donoghue - Prints available via Lola's link above. 

'Paint Poem to Lola Donoghue, 2016' - with gratitude, mlh

ARTWORKS OAKVILLE - Annual Juried Show

Thrilled to be included in the 16th Annual Juried Show for Artworks Oakville. 

77 items entries were submitted, 39 were chosen by the judges. I'm IN.. - Honored!!

Opening Reception: 

Thursday, May 26th

7-9pm 

At the Queen Elizabeth Park Community Cultural Centre

23012 Bridge Road, Oakville  (map below) 

SEE YOU THERE!

Hours of the QE Cultural Centre: 

Mon-Thurs, 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Fri, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sat and Sun, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

 23012 Bridge Road, Oakville 

Easy access via the QEW from Toronto or Hamilton/Buffalo 

UPDATE:

 Great & Busy Reception - plenty of old, young and new faces! 
(also delighted to meet the very talented portait painter, Martha Southwell)
Lower Right: Geoffrey Nawn, Juror takes in my painting
'Woodland Deer' - a crowd favourite. :) 
 

WAAH 120th Annual Juried Art Show @ AGH

Thrilled to be included in the 120th Annual Juried Art Show by the Women's Art Association of Hamilton, showing at the Art Gallery of Hamilton during May and June, 2016. This energetic women's association has been active since the late 1800's, providing a head space & physical place for women to engage with, and expound upon, the arts.

A solid hundred years later, it continues to exercise it's primary mandate of 'exposure' to the art field. Many talented Southern Ontario female artists received their initial 'recognition' here. Senior members coax & coach them into greater public exposure. A diverse, wide-ranging and inclusive aesthetic envelops all with a hearty 'welcome'. Seasoned judges preside over the Annual Juried Shows encouraging greater exploration, experimentation and finer execution.

 Come see what the women are up to now!! 

The aims of the Women's Art Association of Hamilton are to:

• Create a general interest in art
  
• Establishing art scholarships
• Hold lectures and seminars
• Hold exhibitions of paintings, designs and sculpture
• Developing art and handicrafts of Canada.

The Women's Art Association of Hamilton's  

120th Juried Art Exhibition 

Opening RECEPTION - JOIN US!

- Sunday, May 1st, 2-5pm. 

 (Closes June 25th, 2016.)

***My final painting from last year - a 'naive-surreal-folk-abstract' beaut -

 'Doe at Dawn' has been accepted. Come SEE it!***

ART GALLERY OF HAMILTON

Womens Art Assoc.of Hamilton

123 King Street West | Hamilton ON | L8P 4S8 T: 905-527-6610 | F: 905-577-6940

Regular Gallery Hours: Day Hours Tuesday  11:00 am - 6:00 pm Wednesday  11:00 am - 6:00 pm Thursday  11:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday*  11:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday  12:00 noon - 5:00 pm Sunday  12:00 noon - 5:00 pm Monday  Closed (open select holidays) Select Holidays: The AGH is open on select holidays, including Family Day (ON, AB, SK), March Break, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, August Civic Holiday, Labour Day, and Thanksgiving Day. Holiday Hours are from 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm. *Friday Free Night: The Gallery and the Shop at AGH is open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on the first Friday of each month. Free admission to GALLERY LEVEL ONE exhibitions will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. +learn more

AGH Members receive FREE admission.

Non-Members Fee  Adults    $10  Students/Seniors    $8  Children (6 – 17)    $4  Under 5 years    FREE  Family (2 adults and up to 4 children)    $25

(Prices include tax.)

UPDATE: Great Opening Reception, good to catch up with Bryce Kanbara, one of the jurors. 
He kindly said mine, 'Doe at Dawn',  was one of his favs in the show.

Bryce Kanbara, owner of You Me Gallery, one of three jurors of 120th show, with yours truly.

UPDATE: The Hamilton Spectator reviews the show

MLH Spring Newsletter COMING SOON - 2016

 

First Painting for 2016 - by M.L.Holton - Contact Artist for Size & Price.

Hi Everyone - Just getting ready to send out my Spring Newsletter for 2016 ... If any of you do receive in 'duplicate' or 'in error', my sincere apologies. (It is getting very difficult to single-handedly manage a 5000+ personal 'contact list' without losing vital touch along the way. There WILL be goof-ups, errors & omissions. Please FORGIVE, and just let me know in the comment section below, I will fix it.)  - Otherwise, have a super spring & summer. I will continue to post 'what's happening' on route, and I do hope to catch up with a bunch of you in the fall - perhaps at the local launch of my short film at the Art Gallery of Burlington ...  The Frozen Goose is an an all-round Canadian family classic, starring a brilliant cast of six, set just after World War One ... Additional details on the launch will be coming in Early September ...  'Stay Tuned'. :) Oh, and if you're interested in the painting above, contact me directly. This work is now framed, in a contemporary silver wood frame, and is hanging in my kitchen .... ready for a NEW home.

2016 - HERE WE COME!

So many things seemed 'rotten' last year
 - coming at us from all angles of mainstream media -

 one wondered, what has HAPPENED to Humanity?

It seems we just cant get along anymore,
that we have to ruin the planet on route,

that we have no sense of decency anymore -
that we now revel in revolting vulgarity,
endless gore and mind-numbing mediocrity.

Well, I say, UGH. 

This painting is a 'throw back' to a BETTER TIME,
when community - and personal satisfaction - 

could be found in the reliability
and profound  'simple'  beauty of a setting Sun ...
Remember THAT?

Here's to a BETTER 2016 for EVERYONE -

filled with Peace & Good Will. 

'Doe at Dawn' - New & Final Painting by m.l.holton for 2015

'Doe at Dawn' - Acrylic by m.l.holton,, unframed

Inspired by a photo image that was swirling around the net, I liked that image and zapped it a la mlh. 

Happy enough with the result, though that that lifted hind leg will always bug me ... 

Here are some preliminary photos of the work in progress showing the undersketching, 

and a change in the background colouring ... Lotsa Serious Fun.

Underpainting, note that hind leg is better here ... arg.

ALMOST done, but changed the centre mountain 'blue'.... darkened it up.

If interested in purchase and size, please contact the artist. 

FINAL painting for 2015,

Signed, Dated and Numbered by Yours Truly.

'CELEBRATE the SEASON!' - at the Holcim Gallery, Milton, Ontario, Canada

Please join us for the much loved 

Members' Show & Sale 

at the

Holcim Gallery, Milton Centre for the Arts

1010 Main Street East, in Downtown Milton, Ontario, Canada 

 

Opening Reception: 

Friday, December 4th, 2015 

- 6:30pm to 8:30pm - 

Refreshments & Seasonal Cheer!

Members' Show Runs Until January 3rd, 2016

Gallery Hours/Map here.

Have put in my popular 'Twilight Zone' ...

aka ...'The Magic Hour'...Come SEE! 

Season's Very Best! - mlh 

-  on location - 

 

'Last Stand' - by m.l.holton - SOLD

Good news!!!

Sale of painting in support of The Frozen Goose film project ... 

Fine out more on our Fan Page on Facebook.

Exhibit 18 - 'Art in the Workplace', McMaster Innovation Park, Hamilton

'Dory', acrylic on canvas - by mlholton - 2015

'Art in the Workplace' 

 Exhibition Opening 

Date: Thursday, August 6th, Time: 7-9 pm. 

Place: McMaster Innovation Park, Atrium

Live music, free horsey d-overs, 

cash bar - and of course, LOTS of fabulous art!* 

EXHIBIT RUNS FOR THE SUMMER.

Don't Miss It!

'SAIL PAST' by mlholton -  2015

* Note. The painting that I will have in this above show is 'Woodland Deer'. I've posted that around the 'web' a couple of times, so rather then 'repeat', I'm posting two newer works. If interested in either, please contact the artist for sizes & prices. nb: 'Dory' has NOT been stretched or framed yet.

McMaster Innovation Park

Address: 175 Longwood Road South, Hamilton, ON

Phone:(905) 667-5500

UPDATE:  Great Opening. Lots of Fabulous Work. Here are a few shots of what caught my eye (sorry, didn't take note of artists on route. Plus one shot of yours truly beside my work - eyes closed - NATURALLY. Ha!) 

MIP August to November, 2015 

 

Atrium of MIP - MLH with her piece, 'Woodland Deer'

 

MIP artworks  - with crowd shot of those in attendence

Winona Escarpment View

Winona Escarpment View by mlholton - Acrylic on Canvas 

Thank you for your on-going support and interest in my work! 
Copies of TRILLIUM will be shipped out in the first week of December.
To return to the fall 2018 mailer - link here.

New Paintings: Spring 2015

Tulips in the Garden - Acrylic on canvas by M.L.Holton

 A loooong winter has passed, and a delightful, 

albeit flitting, spring is upon us. Summer beckons ...

Zoom into Summer - Acrylic on board by M.L.Holton

I'm shifting into a 'Canadada' kind of mood ... 

For sizes and pricing, please contact the artist.

'From Heart to Hand', Holcim Gallery, Milton, Ontario, Canada

A number of escarpment-based artists from North Burlington (myself included) will be 

exhibiting at the annual Fine Art Society of Milton's - 

 'From Heart to Hand'

Show & Sale at the Holcim Gallery

in the Milton Centre for the Arts, Milton, Ontario

Exhibition Reception - Thursday, May 21st, 6:30-8:30pm, 

 - runs until June 6th, 2015

Hours: M&F, 11:30-5pm, T&R, 11:30-9pm, Sat. 9:30-5pm.

Always a great variety of subject matter, technique, perspective - and diverse talent.  

Holcim Gallery at Milton Art Centre, 1010 Main St East, Milton, Ontario, Canada

 Come on UP to Escarpment Country!

'Spring Revelry' Niagara Escarpment, North Burlington, Ontario - Photo Credit: MLHolton

Woodland Deer - Painting

It's a kind of mini-miracle, when walking in the woods, to suddenly see a group of shy quiet deer. The sunlight shimmers through their translucent ears before their inevitable quick-bounce exit off into the dark cover of the trees.

Woodland Deer my M.L.Holton - Acrylic on canvas.

 ... I like this IDEA, and have run with it, zapping it a la mlh. 

If interested in purchase, please contact the artist for trim size &  price. .... Enjoy.

Dundas Valley: Spring 2015

Back to painting. Did a little 'study' that I then transformed into a much larger painting (6'x4') of the view from on top of the Escarpment overlooking the Dundas Valley. Oddly, I'm liking the study better, even though it is on a wrinkled canvas with obvious slap-dash errors. Strange how that happens sometimes ... Still, at the end of the day, I paint for YOU to enjoy. Hope you like this most recent effort.
If interested in purchase, please get in touch. Cheers, mlh

'Study' Dundas Valley, Spring 2015 by m.l.holton - acrylic on loose canvas

Dundas Valley: Spring 2015 - acrylic on canvas - by m.l.holton

and then, just for fun ... 

another piece that emerged from a deep & peaceful dream from not too long ago ...

.... must be Spring ... those colours & the light :)

'Artists of Halton&Peel' at Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre

Thrilled to have one of my paintings selected for the inaugural juried show

'Artists of Halton & Peel Counties' Exhibit

at the Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre

 Opening Reception: Sunday, March 15th, 2-5pm

Showing until April 19th, 2015 

Where? - 1086 Burnhamthorpe Road, North Oakville, Halton County

Great vibe in this lovely facility, with a very groovy renovated barn 'space'. The centre includes twelve acres at the headwaters of Sixteen Mile Creek, North Oakville, in Halton County. Jurors for this show included: Dick Rampen, a multifaceted artist with over 25 years teaching as an OCAD professor, and Shirley Erskine, a highly renowned & respected artist, and teacher/resident at Joshua Creek Studios.

All welcome to the reception on Sunday, March 15th, 2-5pm -

or drop by during the week from Tuesday to Sunday, 1-4pm.

Otherwise, by appointment only. Call ahead.

See you there!  

(p.s I have to split a bit early, at 3:30-ish on Sunday)

Update, March 16th: GREAT OPENING! Great turnout for this show!

 with Founder of Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre, Sybil Rampen, front & centre :)
(in front of my painting - 'Spring Creek'.)

 ... and spring oozing everywhere. It's just around the corner. 
Saw flocks of geese landing in thawing corn fields ... a welcoming sight.

UPDATE: Exhibit extended until May 2nd. 
Get up there if you can!