Art Chowder January | February 2018, Issue 13 | Page 22

C
ontemporary artists use more
conventional techniques in a variety
of new ways, such as blocking-in
and underpainting. “I am motivated
by light. I like the understated drama
light creates in my paintings.” Light
is the best tool for realism. When
artists observe the way light behaves
in nature, they create realistic art.
Balance is key. Too much light
makes a painting appear flat. The
correct amount creates colors and
shapes that spring from the canvas.
A majority of Short’s paintings are
scenes in and around his hometown
of Richmond, VA. Richmond was
named the “Most Artistic Mid-Sized
City in America” by Trip.com.
Coming in at number two was the
Northwest’s own Boise, ID—with
Tacoma, WA rounding out the top
at number eight. Spokane, WA was
listed at number 31. The metrics
used were: number of museums,
number of art galleries, number of
art schools, number of art supply
stores, and number of performing
arts venues.
When the conversation in the Inland
Northwest turns toward how to
support emerging artists in order to
encourage residency and produce art
in our community, the metrics from
the Trip.com survey clearly identify
what artists need to thrive: supplies,
education, affordable venues, and
patronage.
David describes Richmond’s vibrant
art community as a village. “The
artists share camaraderie and support
each other, creating a town within
the city.” With numerous art galleries
and performing arts venues, the city
has drawn large exhibits, such as
Edvard Munch, Rodin,Van Gogh,
Manet, Matisse, Rembrandt, and
Picasso.
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ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE
Not all the oil on canvas paintings
sold by Short are Virginia-based. A
recent interest in scenes from western
USA are evident, and there are more
works forthcoming. During autumn
of 2017, Short and his wife traveled
a “lap around the United States,” to
see Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand
Canyon national parks. “Twenty
states, nine trains, ten trams and
many wonderful hotels, meals, and
Uber drivers—all provided a flawless
highlight film of our amazing country.”
During the two-week vacation, Short
took numerous photographs and
returned with rough sketches and ideas
for future paintings.
Referencing Thomas Moran’s The
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,
a 7’x12’ painting of Lower Falls
hanging at the Smithsonian, Short
says “I’ve got ammunition to paint
that waterfall!”
Bella Arte Gallery represents Short
and he has an event opening there in
January 2018, at 3734 Winterfield
Road, Midlothian, VA or check him
out online https://www.bella-arte.
com/david-short. See which groups
Short is part of on Facebook by
following Dave’s Landscapes and
More https://www.facebook.com/
profile.php?id=100008006082734