John M. Horton, The 90 Year Retrospective: Honouring 81 Years of Painting

Petley Jones Gallery is pleased to present a landmark exhibition celebrating the extraordinary career of Canadian artist John M. Horton, in honour of his 90th birthday. This special retrospective brings together over eight decades of his artistic journey, from his earliest marine painting, created at the age of nine, to his most recent works at ninety.

Today, John M. Horton looks back on a career that has vaulted him to pre-eminence in the world of marine painters. Recognised nationally and internationally, Horton has dedicated his life to capturing the spirit of the sea, coastal landscapes, and maritime heritage. Such is the degree of his historic accuracy, that when Horton’s canvases incorporate recognizable shore features, he researches the shorelines in the painting’s period, be it present-day or the 18th century. Patrons have observed that in viewing a Horton canvas, one can determine the season, the time of day, the atmosphere and even the temperature.  

Trained in England and later making Vancouver his home, his career has been marked by both technical mastery and deep storytelling through art.Highlights of his distinguished career include two decades as a designer for collector coins for the Royal Canadian Mint. This year, the Mint released Horton’s three-masted schooner, a cargo vessel commonly used for coastal trade in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Among his many accomplishments, Horton holds the prestigious title of Canadian Naval War Artist, officially commissioned to document and portray the experiences, events, and environments of the Canadian Navy.

In 2020, John’s dedication to his craft and ability to record Canada’s rich maritime history was recognized by the province of British Columbia when he was inducted into the Order of British Columbia – the province’s highest civilian award.

A highlight of the exhibition is the rare inclusion of Horton’s very first marine scene, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness his remarkable progress and development across 81 years of practice. The show traces his artistic evolution while paying tribute to the enduring themes, precision, and passion that have defined his career.

“John’s retrospective is a testament to the heights of perfectionism, where decades of practice and unparalleled artist commitment come together,” says Tarin Mead, Manager of the Petley Jones Gallery. 

Exhibition Details
Exhibition: October 30th – November 19th

You’re Invited to the Artist Reception: November 6th, 6 – 8 PM

Location: Petley Jones Gallery, 2245 Granville Street, V6H 3G1, Vancouver, BC