A few weeks ago, I had the great pleasure to visit the world class Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals, located 20 minutes west of downtown Portland. This museum was founded by Richard L. and Helen M. Rice in 1996 for the education and enjoyment of beautiful wonders of nature. They house not only the "Alma Rose" … [Read more...] about Azurite
Pigments: Historical and Modern
There is a distinct difference between modern day pigments and the natural pigments used prior to the middle of the 1700s. In the past, artists had apprentices who ground the colors for them throughout the oil painting sessions. Because they were made by hand, the pigments retained a natural grittiness and consistency with larger particle size. Today's oil paint manufacturers make synthetic colors in huge vats where the end result is exceptional smoothness. Prior to the middle of the 1700, natural pigments came from dirt, minerals, and even plants.
Details
This detail of a new painting, yet unnamed, measures 12 x 12. This also follows along with the analogous plan...many varieties of reds, red-oranges, and yellows all throughout the composition with a vibrant blue complement used sparingly. Even in the very dark background areas lurks thin warm tones of all kinds. Over all, at first glance, the … [Read more...] about Details
Vagone Green
Shown here is the first painting completed in my new studio. After so many months of not painting, it is splendid to be back to work, specifically experimenting with the natural pigments again. Initially, I felt very rusty but after just a little while it all seems familiar again. I had to review my drying charts from last year to see which … [Read more...] about Vagone Green
Cinnabar Close-ups
PRESS RELEASE
Dear Friends,Since the excitement of my nearly sold out Lawrence Gallery exhibit, Lessons from the Low Countries, I have continued to explore painting solely with historical pigments of the 17th century. This has been no easy task considering the fact that during these months we moved twice and finally settled in a small apartment. During the many … [Read more...] about PRESS RELEASE
Almost Edible
Almost Edible 10"x 9" Oil on Linen By Margret Short, 2007 This is one of the first paintings I finished after settling into our small apartment. The linen canvases from Italian Art Store are of splendid quality. They special order this product through an outside independent supplier that does a terrific job. Priming my own canvases is … [Read more...] about Almost Edible