FAQs

Q.What is the difference between rosemaling and tole painting?: A.
Rosemaling is painting on wood and tole is painting on tin.
Q.Are there different styles of rosemaling?: A.
Various styles grew up in regions and valleys of Norway such as Telemark, Hallingdal, Vest-agder, etc.
Q.When were these styles being developed?: A.
Rosemaling developed as a folk art mainly during the years between 1700-1850.
Q.Where did they originate?: A.
Baroque and Rococo design elements were brought from Asia and the Continent.
Q.Why did this folk art lose popularity?: A.
The machine age made handwork seem less valuable.
Q.When did rosemaling come to the U.S.?: A.
It traveled with immigrants on trunks and household objects brought from Norway.
Q.When did rose painting become popular in this country?: A.
Wagon painter Per Lysne began his trade of rosemaling plates in Stoughton, Wisconsin in 1929. A folk art revival began in the midwest and rosemaling grew into a popular and vibrant art form transplanted from it’s native land.
Q.Where did the Red Embroidery style originate?: A.
Inspiration for Raudsaummalingen was taken from the Telemark Bunad designed during WWI using black out fabric and a limited choice of red yarn in the shops.
Q.If I do not consider myself artistic, can I still learn rosemaling?: A.
Yes! If you are willing to work at practicing stroke work, color mixing and blending. Desire and attitude count for a great deal.
Q.Is there a way to avoid using solvents?: A.
Yes. Soap and water may be used for cleaning, walnut oil for thinning and as a base for oils. Artist’s pink soap is especially good for clean up. There are also good choices for less toxic products like turpenoids.
Q.Where are the designs from?: A.
Pattern books are used for reference. Sometimes they fit as they are, but often a pattern must be redrawn. Design work is great fun. Old pieces may be studied for inspiration.
Q.Is there a way to fix mistakes?: A.
Yes! We have wipe out tools and kneadable erasers at our disposal that will correct anything.
Q.How long do oils take to dry?: A.
Drying time depends on conditions. It can take a few days to a few weeks for a piece to be dry enough to varnish. A drying agent may be added to speed the process.
Q.What do you like about painting with oils?: A.
The color depth, blending and the ability to correct since oils don’t dry right away.
Q.What do you use for a finish coat?: A.
Daly’s Crystalfin polyurethane satin or matte finish works consistently well. Matte should not be used on dark backgrounds as it tends to look milky.
Q.Are there resources for workshops and classes?: A.
Western Rosemalers Association offers fun opportunities to learn various styles with talented teachers.
Q.Where can I find supplies?: A.
Vesterheim.org has an extensive rosemaling supply catalog and workshops are available.