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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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Rublev and Zecchi Walked into a Bar….

December 16, 2010 by Margret Short

Malachite Rublev left Zecchi right blog size

Rublev malachite, from Natural Pigments, is shown on the left.  Zecchi malachite scuro (dark), from Zecchi’s Art Supply in Florence, Italy is on the right. Both dry pigments are ground in linseed oil. I have been hoarding the Zecchi color since I bought it in Florence in 2003. It is darker and richer than most other products and was invaluable in painting the first 2 pieces for the upcoming Pharaoh Part ll project.

The Rublev pigment is a splendid subtle bluish green and easy to grind. Both have a medium to low color saturation so you really have to pile on the paint to get good results. This pigment was commonly used by artists in ancient Egypt.

Tagged With: Ancient Egypt painting, artists, linseed oil, malachite, Pharaoh Part ll, Pigment

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.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dannie Woodard says

    January 1, 2011 at 11:18 am

    Your new look is very attractive. I know you’re going to enjoy it….as will your readers!
    Extremely informative and interesting. I do not paint but am a ‘color freak.’ Love the historical aspect of it all, also.
    My hobby, researching the Depression era aluminum giftware,also has its roots in those ancient times, for the metal working techniques were handed down through the ages.

  2. Margret Short says

    January 1, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    Thanks, Dannie, for your comments. Your subject of interest is very unique and interesting. After reading and reviewing your blog, I see that you have a lifetime of experience. Many things about ancient times are still intriguing and are meant to be preserved for future enthusiasts. Margret

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