Margret E. Short Fine Arts

Portland, Oregon artist Margret Short - a modern day master of 17th Century Dutch art using the chiaroscuro technique to create still life and floral paintings.

Oil Paint, Brushes, Substrate and Frames

The type of paint used in oil painting is as important as the type of brush and the substrate. Paint can be historical or modern, surface is a flexible canvas, a rigid sheet of copper, or panels prepared with gold leaf or silver leaf. All are beautiful and interesting in their own way. The choice of frame is also critically important and many companies around the globe manufacture frames specifically for oil paintings with a deep rabbit to fit the depth of the canvas.

One Stitch at a Time

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Making stitches and threads with paint has become a daily endeavor. The newest Iso-LACE-tion piece is finished and on the drying rack. In my studio, finished paintings go on a shelf to dry by means of low heat from a tungsten light bulb which accelerates the drying time. Although when you think about it, there is really no hurry these days. … [Read more...] about One Stitch at a Time

Camouflaged – The Final Unveiling

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Camouflage Pigments Like You've Never Seen Before As promised, the final piece in the Indigenous Naturals Pigment Project, is revealed: Camouflage Modello, Oil on Linen 6x8. The previously-mentioned twist is disclosed and oh my - is it an interesting twist! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that researching historical pigments would have … [Read more...] about Camouflaged – The Final Unveiling

Indigenous Naturals: Earth and Mineral Pigments Found in Oregon and Pacific NW

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Pigment Project Unveiling - Five New Paintings One of the most exciting aspects of doing an historical pigment project is the unexpected discovery and this one is has been over the top fun! Initially, my plan was to investigate the location and type of pigments found in deposits and mines around Oregon. Right away, I hit a mother lode of … [Read more...] about Indigenous Naturals: Earth and Mineral Pigments Found in Oregon and Pacific NW

Maya Blue: A Natural Pigment a Little on the Shady Side

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Just about the time I think that I have seen and used all the natural pigments to come along in the past 10,000 years or so, another new one pops up, at least it pops up new to me. Maybe I just overlooked this one, but it does seem that this pigment has not been around until recently. It is a lovely subtle blue called Maya Blue, an extraordinarily … [Read more...] about Maya Blue: A Natural Pigment a Little on the Shady Side

Cannon Beach Arts Fest

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Scorching temperatures are predicted for this coming weekend, but you can beat the heat on the splendid Oregon Coast at the Cannon Beach Art Fest. Plein Air and More is a city wide event and all the galleries will be participating with artists all around town and on the beach doing and talking about their art. I will be at the Bronze Coast … [Read more...] about Cannon Beach Arts Fest