Exploring the traditions of Telemark and Hallingdal rosemaling, this class will cover painting, history, and culture. The early Norwegian rosemalers were influenced by the work of the Guild artists’ painting. They observed the work of these trained artists in public buildings, particularly churches, where the ancient acanthus motif was painted with Baroque and Rococo influence.
In this class, we will focus on the two areas of Norway where the oldest and most defined styles—Telemark and Hallingdal—were found and how the early rosemalers developed their characteristics. We will become acquainted with the foundational traditions of Baroque and Rococo. We will spend time in Vesterheim’s collection and study center viewing the work of the early rosemalers and identifying the foundational motifs that influenced them.
Finding inspiration in the early traditions, we will paint two different traditional mangletre, one focusing on the characteristics of the Rococo in Telemark and another in Hallingdal, which was influenced by the Baroque. There will be designs offered in each as our point of departure to understand the stylistic influences on rosemaling. A compare and contrast approach will highlight the importance of design, composition, color, and detail found in each area’s painting.
This in-depth study of rosemaling’s history will deepen your understanding of the art’s traditions and the culture from which it grew, as well as strengthen confidence in your painting and designing skills.
Andrea Herkert began rosemaling in 2006 and, after studying with many master rosemalers from the United States and Norway, received her Vesterheim Gold Medal in 2013. She has been teaching rosemaling since 2010 and continues to study the art, most recently through a Fellowship from the American-Scandinavian Foundation, which supported a month-long, individual study in Norway. She is passionate about her work and her teaching! Andrea lives in the idyllic countryside outside of Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband Jim, surrounded by the inspiring beauty of nature.
Scholarships including local standby option are available. Find information here.
