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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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Margret's Still Life Oil Paintings

Formal still life oil paintings came into popularity in 17th century Dutch when people became more affluent. They were also withdrawing from the rigid constraints of the church and could paint subjects other than from the bible. Still life oil painting has remained a popular form of expression since that time.

Camouflaged – The Final Unveiling

May 12, 2017 by Margret Short

Camouflage Modello 6x8 Oil on Linen painting by Margret E. Short 2017

Camouflage Pigments Like You've Never Seen Before As promised, the final piece in the Indigenous Naturals Pigment Project, is revealed: Camouflage Modello, Oil on Linen 6x8. The previously-mentioned twist is disclosed and oh my - is it an interesting twist! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that researching historical pigments would have … [Read more...] about Camouflaged – The Final Unveiling

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

Use Light To Create Compelling Shadow Shapes

September 2, 2016 by Margret Short

Vase and Tangerines by Marget Short - use light thoughtfully in your oil painting composition

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

Fine-Tune Brushstrokes & Light in Oil Paintings

July 25, 2016 by Margret Short

Finished still life oil painting by Margret Short a fine art painter in the Pacific Northwest

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

July 15, 2016 by Margret Short

a fine art oil painting entitled Limoges & Strawberries by Margret short

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

Revisiting The Zecchi Art Supply Shop in Italy

January 9, 2016 by Margret Short

Zecchi's Visit an oil painting made on linen

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

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Recent Blogs

Dancing Backwards Returns; Going Medieval with Skeletons: More Stories of Mostly Forgotten Fabulously Talented Women Artists of the Past: Part 3 Coming in September

The Final Reveal

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