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.

Color Junkie

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TheVermilion_pigment_1 past several weeks I have been busy with color making. Pictured here is genuine  Vermilion, a color I could never do without. Because you know my style of painting, you know I favor the warm tones especially reds. This particular pigment has been used since antiquity and is made from natural cinnabar. It has been found in ancient China, Egypt, Greece, Peru, and other areas of the world. In the middle ages Vermilion was used to line early music staves. It is necessary to use mask, gloves, and smock in a well ventilated area as a precaution against breathing the dust. Again, once it is in the paste form,  use the usual hygiene procedures. More colors next time.

Chiaroscuro Painting

Oil painting with the chiaroscuro technique illuminates the focus area with a strong light. All other areas are painted with less detail, lower values, and intensity of color giving a mysterious appearance. By putting one or two objects in the important focus area, a strong but simple composition will emerge. Combining these oil painting techniques with a selection of superior natural pigments and oil paints result in the beautiful and evocative quality known as Chiaroscuro Painting.

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  2. Margret, who would have known that you, the quiet and always mindful young friend of mine back in grade school, would have blossomed into the brilliant artist that you are today. I am astonished at your multiple talents. I have recently started reading your blog and am captivated by your uncanny ability to keep me entertained with your stories from beginning to end.
    You could easily have put your writing talents to use and become as famous for your words as you are for your exquisit paintings. I am proud that I can call you such a wonderful friend, artist, and now author. Keep the great stories coming!
    Love,
    Joanny