Emerging as a distinct genre in Western painting in the late 16th Century, still life has gone on to remain to be an extremely popular genre since then; with both artists and collectors. Among the member artists of Rental Sales Gallery are a number who produce still lifes. Ranging from the classically-inspired oils of Margret Short to the more whimsical watercolors of Bill Baily and acrylics of Abigail Marble, the gallery holds a rich variety of this genre of work.
To see these and other still life pieces in the collection, come into the gallery for a visit and look about, or visit our website and search our Catalogue. Click the link and go to Style and search for “Still Life” in the drop-down menu.
Margret Short
Margret Short is a multi-award winning artist, whose works are sought by both private collectors and museums across the country. A recipient of four coveted Salmagundi Club Awards, the Grumbacher Gold Medallion, and many other national honors, she is also a Signature Member of Oil Painters of America and a Master Signature Member of American Women Artists. We are delighted to showcase her still life pieces here at RSG, including the two works which we are focusing on in this blog, Day of the Dahlia and Diaphanous.
Bill Baily
For many years, Bill combined his working as a professional pharmacist with his passion for painting. Now, having retired, Bill focuses on producing a range of artworks. His subject matter is impressionistic landscapes and seascapes as well as the fruit and vegetable still lifes for which he is well known. And it is these still lifes which we are focusing on, as they make up many of of the works that Bill shows through RSG. Bill has been a member of the gallery for many years and these charming, characterful paintings have consistently been popular with our patrons.
Brian Kramer
Brian Kramer is an artist and architect who works out a studio near Portland. The holder of qualifications from the New York Academy of Art and the University of Notre Dame, Brian produces both sculpture and exquisitely-realized still life pieces. Silver and White, which we spotlighted on social media recently, is an outstanding example of his work.
Ken Klos
Ken is a member of the Oregon Society of artists, painting both plein-air and still lifes. A senior project architect and project designer, he definitely knows his perspective, and puts that skill to good use in his artwork. Painted using rich oil paints and strong brushstrokes, Ken’s still lifes are textured and filled with vibrant life.
Abigail Marble
Artist and book illustrator Abigail Marble has produced a series of brightly-colored and exciting still life pieces for sale and rental through the gallery. Painted using acrylic, her work has a vibrancy and immediacy which is immensely charming.
Shelley Curtis
As well as being an artist, Shelley Curtis has also served as the curator of Oregon State University’s Art About Agriculture collection. Recently, she curated an exhibition at OSU of works by the widely admired artist and teacher Nelson Sandgren. She creates digital prints, of which Dahlia Bouquet, above, is a striking example.