Discretionary Palette
by Margret E. Short 2007 Sold 9×10 Oil on Linen Inspired by the Palette of the 17th Century Dutch
Lessons from the Low Countries Lawrence Gallery, Portland, Oregon
Copyright Margret E. Short
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.