Today we’d like to introduce you to Margaret Kingston.
Margaret, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am fortunate to have had a consistent art education growing up in rural New Hampshire, so my story begins with exposure to the arts. I’m that classic professional artist who can claim art class as their favorite subject. I graduated college with a Bachelor’s degree in K-12 Art Education and a minor in Oil Painting. My first job was a K-8 art teacher in a small school in the town next to where I grew up. At some point one of the kitchen staff asked me to paint a portrait of their dog, and so my first commissioned oil painting came to be. One led to another and suddenly I had painted 4 dog portraits for various people, then a library mailbox. I’m a cat person, but the thrill of being chosen to create something original for someone was new and exciting! It was not about the money (plus I barely charged anything for those early pieces), it was about the challenge of a new scene and the reward of making someone happy. Now I’ve moved on from that job, but I continue using people’s photographs to paint custom paintings as well as creating originals from my own photos.
My husband and I moved to the Methow Valley, Washington, in 2012 to start a new adventure next to a national park and in a creative community. This move began a slow transition from mostly teaching to now full time artist with a little teaching. Or as I say, living the dream! My business name is Mk Oil Paintings where I manage a portfolio website, and work constantly in various venues to sell my latest paintings. I create my work in a home studio that I call the “Shedio”, since it is a small renovated farm shed. My realistic style allows me to capture a landscape with recognizable features to give the viewer the feeling that they are standing there. My focus is often on warm, energizing light, gorgeous skies, and big mountain views. As of the start of the new year, 2026, I have what used to be a year’s worth of custom commissions already lined up giving me a feeling of security and momentum. I may not be well known outside of the Methow Valley yet, but I feel successful because I get to do what I love daily. I like to imagine the 100+ paintings I’ve sold being enjoyed by the owners. Brightening a wall, adding inspiration to get outside on a new adventure, capturing a favorite memory or providing a portal to nature within a man-made environment.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Are any roads perfectly smooth? Everything worth doing has its challenges. Not to sound arrogant, but painting is the easy part. I don’t get “blocked” or throw out many paintings. I probably have 3 unfinished paintings in my studio from the past 20 years of painting, not bad. My struggles are with the uncertainty of making sales. When an uncomfortable amount of time goes by without a sale you start to think you’re crazy for trying this unpredictable path. Then a couple good sales show up and you’re back on top of the world feeling like you can do it. There’s a lot of guessing when it comes to deciding which opportunities to invest in. Trial and error has taught me that selling expensive fine art isn’t for farmers markets. Not every art festival is the right fit. Technology has an increasing presence in modern business that is mandatory. I post on Instagram with that back of the mind feeling that I could do better. Someone called me an influencer in a conversation and I first laughed then thought…wait am I?! Maintaining a healthy body is also a challenge when performing a stagnant, repetitive task. I suffer from the pains of overusing my right arm, knots, imbalance, carpal tunnel. Let’s just say part of all proceeds go to therapies, and a used hot tub that we have decided was my best find yet!
I’m lucky to know so many other creatives that share the same struggles. We discuss solutions, commiserate, and share resources. My parents have always supported me on this path, which I am grateful for. My dad salvaged my first easel from a reuse center and signed me up for my first oil painting class at age 18 at the local senior center. I immediately connected with the mixable, vibrant medium. My husband Jonathan Baker is a RISD grad in Industrial Design and he gives me honest critiques when I need them and is always a cheerleader of my work. Everyone needs a network to endure the bumpy road with!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve found a way to make a living as an artist by painting realistically using photographs for reference. My very first art show when we moved out west was at the Clymer Gallery in Ellensburg. It was a juried show and they accepted all 3 paintings I submitted; they sold 2 out of 3! This was a series about backcountry skiing, which I continue to this day. Skiers are very passionate about what we do. We love the experience so much we will wake up before dawn, drive 40+ minutes, snowmobile another 30+, then skin uphill for hours only to have a few minutes of downhill thrill. It’s honestly hilarious the lengths we go, the money we spend, and the time preparing for some playful turns in deep snow. I’ve sold every painting I’ve made in this series and have become known as a “winter” painter. I like to surprise people with other seasons and colorful palettes, but mainly I’ve used a whole lot of blue, purple and white. My current work is inspired by my time joining the North Cascade Glacier Climate Study led by Mauri Pelto, in August of 2025, to learn about the loss of our glaciers here in Washington using funding I got from the Mary Kiesau Community Fellowship grant. This backpacking residency was so inspirational that it resulted in an art show called Shaped By Ice. I curated the exhibit at Confluence Gallery with Jill Pelto, the art director of NCGCS and 8 other artists. I’ve enjoyed volunteering on the show committee at Confluence to work with more artists and help hang stunning art shows.
I’m so proud that people choose me to turn their favorite memory into a beloved painting. They can choose a size that’s right for the wall, combine photos to create a unique original scene that captures the elements important to them. Every time I sell an original painting I feel like a piece of my vision will live on as my legacy. To make the world a more beautiful place, to speak for nature, and to record a moment in time is special to me.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Website: https://www.mkoilpaintings.com/
Instagram: @MkOilPaintings
Order a Custom Painting: I am able to work with any budget to create custom paintings from a client’s favorite photos.
Shop Originals: By appointment at my Shedio in Winthrop. At Confluence Gallery in Twisp, Mazama Store, and Nightshade Bowery in Twisp.
Connect:
I’m always on the search for new venues to show my artwork, sell magnet prints, or networking opportunities. As an artist I collaborate through custom projects, residencies, grants, media, and teaching art lessons.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MkOilPaintings.com
- Instagram: MkOilPaintings
