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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On the Easel

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Often followers ask about current projects. Though at this time, I have no in-depth project involving an ancient culture or goddess from an ancient world, there are endless pigments, mediums, brushstrokes, or canvas textures to investigate. On my easel right now, is the painting posted here in its early stages of development. Dramatic light is … [Read more...] about On the Easel

Spider Woman’s Cross

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The Spider Woman is one of the most important goddesses in the Southwest Native culture. She is multi-faceted and has amazing power over her people. There are geographic landmarks named for her as well as constellations, myths, and stories of all kinds. As I have said, she is the equal to Isis in Ancient Egypt and Athena in Greece. The row of … [Read more...] about Spider Woman’s Cross

Cinnabar

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  My favorite red pigment used by ancient Greeks is cinnabar. It was a perfect hue to use on these poppies. I used burnt umber and madder for the shadow tones, and heightened the lights with yellow ochre and white. A very similar hue can be attained by using vermilion, a much more intense in color. Just calm the heat with a nice earthy … [Read more...] about Cinnabar

Lekythos

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My Greek painting is nearly finished and will be revealed in about a week or so. I want my client to see only snippets beforehand, so just details like this one will be shown for now. Hours and hours of research went into all aspects of the composition in addition to pigments. This lekythos  jar was popular during the classical period of 5th … [Read more...] about Lekythos

Gifts from the Nubians

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Gifts from the Nubians ©Margret E. Short, 2011, OPA. AWA,     10x8 Oil on Panel  Lessons from the Pharaoh's Tomb, Part Two Nubia, located just south of Egypt on the Nile River, is known as the Kingdom of Kush and the Land of Gold. Because Egypt had no gold, they were dependent upon the Nubians for this precious … [Read more...] about Gifts from the Nubians

Vizier’s Habiliments

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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