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.

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

Oil Painting Critiques

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This past week, I had the pleasure of participating in the Oil Painters of America Critique Program. For the nominal fee of $25.00 (which goes to OPA), artists have the opportunity to have a signature or master level member review their oil paintings and give instructional advice on how they might improve their technique. Because I do not do any … [Read more...] about Oil Painting Critiques