Home from the Sea, John M. Horton, CSMA

The great East Coast cod fishery made many fortunes. Saint John, New Brunswick was home to many of the great schooners that fished the banks. Saint John's wharf was a magical place with the sight, sounds and smells of the era.

Historically, this painting was the first of many hundreds of paintings that the Canadian Society of Marine Artists has exibited since moving from the West coast of Canada to a more central location in Ontario. It is a 24" x 36" oil on board, and was hung at the Archives and Collections Society's premises prior to the 2003 Annual Exhibition. The Archives and Collections moved to the Victory on Picton, Ontario's Main Street in 2006, became the Naval Marine Archive in late 2011, and is proud to remain the parent charity, and more importantly, the home of the Canadian Society of Marine Artists.

John M. Horton served as the CSMA's founding president. His work was first recognized by the Royal Society of Marine Artists in 1961. Since then he has exhibited at the RSMA on numerous occasions.

After immigrating to Canada in 1966 John's reputation gathered momentum following successful exhibitions in several well established galleries. Many commissions have been completed over the years for collectors worldwide, including special coin designs for the Royal Canadian Mint. His historical works have won him many awards from historical societies and museums over the years.

In 2002 he was sent to sea with the Royal Canadian Navy to record Canada's naval participation in the War on Terror. He was also commissioned to paint three special works for the RCN's centennial. A number of his paintings may be viewed and prints purchased here, for "The Art of OP APOLLO" - a project sponsored by the Department of History and Heritage of National Defense showing some of the activities of the Canadian Navy.

In 2020 John was appointed to the Order of British Columbia in recognition of his contribution recording Canada's rich maritime history. He continues to record Canada's naval exploits – a particular fasinisation to John whose naval career started at age 16.