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Margret E. Short Fine Arts

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.

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    • Backwards and in Heels, Part II
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    • Lessons from the Pharaoh’s Tomb, Part 1
    • Lessons from the Pharaoh’s Tomb, Part 2
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Oil Painting with Copper

Copper is one of the best substrates to use for oil painting because it is beautiful as well as rigid (meaning it will not flex). Oil paint can have a tendency to move and painting on a solid, flat surface helps prevent this movement. Since that can cause additional flexing, the rigid copper surface is even more splendid. Oil Painting on copper has also been used in altar pieces for centuries and experts confirm that even over a long period of time, very little change is visible in the oil paint itself.

The Final Reveal

October 12, 2025 by Margret Short

Dancing Backwards in High Heels More Lessons from Fred and Ginger Part ll Yesterday's opening reception was lovely. The entire staff was in attendance, Joe, Krissy, Lynette, and Marilyn too! The guests enjoyed locally made salted chocolate truffles and lemonade throughout the afternoon. So now, as promised, posted are all ten finished paintings … [Read more...] about The Final Reveal

Tagged With: Margret Short, oil painting, painting, pigment project, pigments

Finished Images Unveiled

May 5, 2025 by Margret Short

Recap. One painting from seven artists was chosen. I echoed the palette from each painting as I painted my style in my composition. All seven are now unveiled and posted in the order the blogs were initially presented. Keep in mind, the colors from print to print and on the Internet are not identical to real life images. And they also differ from … [Read more...] about Finished Images Unveiled

Painting in the Time of Covid-19

April 4, 2020 by Margret Short

Classical Still life Oil Painting in Chiaroscuro style featuring a lace tablecloth with oranges

Like most of you, strategizing meaningful chores to fill time at home is a daunting task lately. Up until now, I’ve been clearing clutter, tossing dried-up paint tubes, cleaning closets, washing brushes, washing my hands, and oh the horrors - watching re-runs of Bob Ross’ Happy Paintings on PBS. Idle Hands and Demons Much more appealing is … [Read more...] about Painting in the Time of Covid-19

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

May 6, 2017 by Margret Short

fine art still life painting of a scene with apples bunches of grapes sitting on a tabletop draped with white and red striped cloth against an elegant backdrop of a mural of a bird on a tree branch entitled Bright Oregon

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

Cannon Beach Arts Fest

June 23, 2015 by Margret Short

painting using oil paint on linen of felucca ships on the water

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

Randy Higbee 6″ Squared Exhibition and Sale

November 28, 2014 by Margret Short

oil paint on copper medium fine art

Randy Higbee Gallery is hosting the fifth annual 6"Squared Exhibition and Sale Through December 31, 2014       See images, exhibit, and purchase information here   … [Read more...] about Randy Higbee 6″ Squared Exhibition and Sale

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Recent Blogs

Dancing Backwards Part ll with the Iconic Artemisia Gentileschi

Dancing Backwards in High Heels Part ll, More Lessons with Fred and Ginger and Judith Leyster in Haarlem

Dancing Backwards with Elisabeth Vigee LeBrun: Painter to the Stars and Royalty

Dancing Backwards in High Heels Part Two in Portugal with Josefa de Obidos

Dancing Backwards in High Heels Part Two; Cliff Notes Version of Color Sleuthing

[More Blog Posts]

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