John M. Horton O.B.C. C.S.M.A.

Through the 19th century and well into the years before WWII, large fully rigged sailing ships were the freighters of their day, carrying cargoes across the world’s oceans. Upon arriving off Cape Flattery, at the western entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca between Washington State and British Columbia, sailing ships would often be taken in tow by steam tugs bound for Victoria, Vancouver, or Puget Sound.

This was no place for a sailing ship to linger. Known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific,” the waters around Cape Flattery have long been notorious for powerful winds, heavy seas and fog, and treacherous conditions. In weather such as this, a wise captain would have felt considerably safer with a powerful steam tug firmly in control, towing his ship toward the shelter of port.

At Finn Slough everything was bathed in warm light with the scene in silhouette as I painted into the sun. The quiet water and rustic structures create a peaceful mood. This painting invites the viewer to pause and enjoy a quiet moment, capturing the serene charm of one of BC’s most unique waterfront communities. A celebration of mood, light, and the Fraser River’s enduring character.

A tanker carrying jet fuel to Vancouver International Airport’s fuel terminal or an LNG tanker bound for Tilbury in Delta never travels alone. Powerful escort tugs are tethered to them, ready to respond instantly if mechanical trouble strikes. This painting captures one such transit, with two of Ocean Towing’s purpose-built tugs guiding a tanker safely up the river, preventing accidents and protecting the waterway. More than a striking marine scene, this artwork highlights the skill, professionalism, and dedication of the tug crews who help safeguard the Fraser every day.

Autumn is always a magical time.   The trees turn gold and red in the sunlight – A delight to capture in paint.

This view is off Captains Cove on a calm November morning and is looking north toward the BC Ferries maintenance facility.

Anyone who has spent time on the Fraser River will have experienced the fantastic sunsets that flood over the area.  A small First Nations gillnetter makes a set in Sea Reach as the sun sets in the west. The marsh lands here are essential for wildlife and young salmon and must be protected at all costs.

Do you remember when this could have been you?

Big unmanageable oars that don’t want to work together!  But insistence you won’t be beaten!

Oh the joy when you finally get it right!!!

While always searching for new atmospheres to include in a work I was able to catch this evening composition set in the Ladner marches.

Sunset is always a magical time but especially while cruising through the marshes off Ladner.  Here we see the sun setting over the marshes which are so important for the fish and fowl and must be protected at all cost.

Autumn is always a magical time.  The trees turn gold and red in the sunlight – a delight to capture in paint.

This view is off Captains Cove on a calm November morning and is looking north toward the BC Ferries maintenance facility.