Lapis lazuli has long been one of my favorite specialty blue colors for previous pigment projects and a perfect choice for the current Spring Unveiling at Bronze Coast Gallery. Artisans around the world have used this mineral for jewelry, inlays, furniture decorations, paint, tombs, and temples in endless varieties. Seventeenth Century Dutch … [Read more...] about Ultimate ‘Over the Sea’ Ultra-marine Blue
Egypt
Ancient Egyptian Color Gets a New Life
Besides making paints, now there is a newly found use for the ancient pigment, Egyptian Blue Frit. This pigment, made by heating a mixture of copper, quartz, sand, lime, and an alkali, dates from 3250 BCE and was used to decorate tombs, statues, coffins, and temple walls in Egypt during the long reign of the Pharaohs. Who Knew Pigments Could Be … [Read more...] about Ancient Egyptian Color Gets a New Life
It’s Just My Job
In past times many Southwest Native American cultures differed profoundly from the European-derived concept of art or artist. In most Native American languages, no word existed that meant art or artist. One person might be better at something than another might. When describing a nicely woven basket or well-carved piece of wood, terms such as, … [Read more...] about It’s Just My Job
Vizier’s Habiliments
Vizier’s Habiliments © Margret E. Short 2011, OPA. AWA Oil on Linen 9x10 Lessons from the Pharaoh's Tomb, Part Two Galerie Gabrie, Pasadena This painting depicts the various habiliments Vizier Amenemope might use while relaxing during his favorite pastime (painting) while not advising the Pharaoh. Shown next to the red jar, is the … [Read more...] about Vizier’s Habiliments
Kom Ombo
Kom Ombo 8x10 Oil on Gold Leaf © Margret E. Short 2011 Lessons from the Pharaoh's Tomb, Part Two It seems perfectly fitting to use gold leaf as a base support for the ancient Egyptian pigment project paintings, especially considering so many antiquities are made of precious metals such as gold. First I applied twenty three carat gold … [Read more...] about Kom Ombo
Feluccas on the Nile
Feluccas on the Nile © Margret E. Short 2011, 12x5 Oil on panel Lessons from the Pharaoh's Tomb, Part Two Feluccas on the Nile, is inspired by a lovely warm January afternoon sailing around an island near Aswan while watching the sun create long dark shadows across the dunes. As far as the eye can see the feluccas elegantly glide over the water … [Read more...] about Feluccas on the Nile