Compelling and interesting shadow shapes are one very critical component to creating excitement in your oil painting compositions. Light, light direction, light diminishing and building, and light falling on objects can be used to the fullest and will portray drama and mystery depending on how you use it in each particular place on your … [Read more...] about Use Light To Create Compelling Shadow Shapes
Margret's Blog
Fine-Tune Brushstrokes & Light in Oil Paintings
Sometimes painting small and very intimate compositions is the most gratifying. This 8x10 inch piece is very simple, but the shadow shapes are compelling and dramatic. If you have interesting light, the painting is much more fun, and lights and darks flow across the canvas in a manner that captures the viewer and holds them in. I try to … [Read more...] about Fine-Tune Brushstrokes & Light in Oil Paintings
Recollections of an Early Exhibit
In May of 1995, Mt. Hood Community College hosted a one-woman exhibit for me in their luxurious Fireside Room. This was quite an honor as I grew up in the area and, at one time, had attended a few art classes at the college. My Mom was a Golden Age Student there for many years. My childhood friend, Jeanette Crockett McDermid, wrote a press release … [Read more...] about Recollections of an Early Exhibit
How to Paint Lilacs: Modern vs. Historical Pigments
Last week, after deciding to paint some true beauties of the season (lilacs from my back yard), I faced a dilemma - which pigment should I use: modern or historical? As you know, I love using the natural pigments but sometimes there is no easy choice. In the historical/natural pigment world there are no rich brilliant purples available - with the … [Read more...] about How to Paint Lilacs: Modern vs. Historical Pigments
La Foce’: An Unforgettable Place
The Villa La Foce and its farm are located in southern Tuscany near Pienza and Montepulciano in the clay hills of Sienna/Crete Senesi. It overlooks Val d'Orcia and is a spectacularly beautiful area with a complex history dating back to the Etruscan period (7th century BCE to the 2nd century AD). The Villa was built in the late 1500s as a hospice … [Read more...] about La Foce’: An Unforgettable Place
Revisiting The Zecchi Art Supply Shop in Italy
In the late summer and fall of 2003, Dave and I spent 10 lovely weeks in Italy. This trip was planned specifically for me to paint the beauty of the countryside and soak up the endlessly interesting Italian culture. Chantal Kelly, our talented travel agent, knew all the best and picturesque places to stay and we were never disappointed with our … [Read more...] about Revisiting The Zecchi Art Supply Shop in Italy