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.

oil painting

Easel Origins

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Early Italian Renaissance painters were extremely popular in their time, but not much is known about how they worked. There is no evidence that they used any sort of device for holding a canvas while they worked. Then along came the seventeenth century and the rise of the Dutch Masters who were very astute and methodical in their working … [Read more...] about Easel Origins

Nicosia Green Earth

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Left - Pure Nicosia Green Earth mixed with Linseed Middle - Holbein Silver White Right -  Exact beads of each color mixed together Nicosia Green Earth has many differing properties than Bohemian. This one has far lower saturation qualities. As you can see, mixing the same size bead together resulted in a much more pastel tone. This is a … [Read more...] about Nicosia Green Earth

Fumed Silica Gel Stays Where You Put It

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Left - Fumed Silica Gel mixed with linseed oil Second from Left - Red Iron Oxide mixed with linseed Second from Right - Red Iron Oxide mixed with Fumed Silica Gel Far Right - Fumed Silica Gel dry There are basically two ways to paint with oil paints. One is oil only, and the other is using solvents. These days many people are rejecting the … [Read more...] about Fumed Silica Gel Stays Where You Put It

Close Ups

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This detail shows how the fumed silica gel changes the consistency of the paint. On the left is pigment mixed with linseed oil. On the right is the same paint mixed with about 1/4 part silica gel. The workability of this is just magnificent. It is fluffy and lightweight, has no odor, and stays where you put the brushstroke. It does not level out or … [Read more...] about Close Ups