Folk Art From Norway: Rosemaling

For many years, I've been intrigued by the folk art from Norway called Rosemaling. The funny thing is that I never knew that is what it is called. I've admired these lovely designs on trays, boxes, and a variety of other pieces and wished that I had the talent to create such articles of beauty. The charming colors and the bold strokes form delightful designs that really appeal to me.

I ran across a wonderful article by Paula Atwell who is known as lakeerieartists that explains about Resemaling and its origins in low land areas of eastern Norway. This lovely art form came from the poorer people who traveled around painting churches and homes of the wealthy to earn some money or room and board.

Paula explains that the styles that we are familiar with today were so named from the areas of Norway that seemed to favor a particular style. Not only does she explain what makes a style a Telemark, Hallingdal, Valdres, or Rogaland but she shows us an example of each. She gives us further explanation as to background colors typically used in each style and also what would be used to make a piece fit into each style.

We also learn that the Norwegian immigrants brought their folk art techniques to America but did not practice this art much in the beginning. It was the generation in the 20th century who began to admire the articles of their ancestors that brought rosemaling back into favor.

Isn't that the way with many cultures? Folk art or treasures from the poorer classes are often not appreciated for a while. Perhaps they don't see the beauty because they relate it to being unworthy of esteem because it came from adversity. Thank goodness there are people who come along a generation or two later and rediscover the charm of the artwork from the cultures of their ancestors and begin to share their heritage with folks like us. I believe you will really enjoy Paula's piece about the decorative folk art from Norway called Rosemaling.

Image Credit: Norwegian Rosemaling Scandinavian Folk Art by cowboyannie