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 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.

Painting in the Time of Covid-19

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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

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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

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

Copper on the Easel

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Several years ago, I did a series of paintings on sheets of copper of various sizes, which was enormously fun. Here are two from that series.     Well, now here it is 2013, and it's time for another challenge with a new pigment series. This new project poking at my mad scientist self is more expansive though, and will be … [Read more...] about Copper on the Easel