One innovative way to meet your future spouse – create illustrations of fossil fish for the guardian of the Museum of Royal Dublin who just happens to be a young paleontologist himself. Phoebe Anna Moss did just that and ultimately married the young keeper. Phoebe was an endlessly gifted participant in the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 1800s … [Read more...] about Dancing Backwards with Phoebe Moss Traquair: How to Meet Your Spouse
Egypt
Uber Umbers and Other Colors from the Earth
Throughout the ages, since the very first scrawls were made in caves and tribal hunting events were recorded on walls, people have been using colors made of ochres, umbers, madders, bugs, mummies, minerals, shells, iron oxides, and plants. These pigments decorated sheets of papyrus, vellum, paper, faces, bodies, fabrics, clothing, tools, leather, … [Read more...] about Uber Umbers and Other Colors from the Earth
Ultimate ‘Over the Sea’ Ultra-marine Blue
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
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