Rosemaling Classes

Vesterheim Museum Folk School

This four-day in-person class will paint a Bostkast (comb cupboard) specially designed for us by woodworker extraordinaire, Mike Lusk, using the Hans Belle cupboard in the museum for inspiration. The class will be taught in oils.

During the class, we will explore the origins of the Lesja school of rosemaling with a deep dive into its differences as found in the Gudbrandsdal Valley, centered in Lillehammer.

Vesterheim Museum Folk School

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.

Vesterheim Museum Folk School

Discover the freedom that comes with freehand Telemark painting using round brushes, while finding inspiration from old pieces. Other topics that will be demonstrated include how to finger paint flowers; how to paint fast and beautiful transparent Telemark; how to prepare surfaces with casein-based (milk) paint and linseed oil; and how to glaze pieces after painting to enliven and instantly age them. The class will be taught in oils. Acrylic painters are welcome.

Vesterheim Museum Folk School

Join us for an in-depth study of Sebjørn Kverndalen, a masterful rosemaler who also excelled in cabinet making and wood carving. This class will explore Kverndalen's imaginative artistry, inspired by neoclassical flower garlands, chinoiserie, draperies and medallions, wing-shaped rococo ornaments, portraits, angels, and landscapes. Known for incorporating birds, especially peacocks, his paintings are characterized by a soft, lyrical, and transparent look, often featuring straight-line elements and the use of gold leaf.

Throughout the course, we will delve into Kverndalen's painting style, covering flowers, stroke work, scrolls, and other motifs, as well as his family history, the influence of the Kongsberg artist guilds, and the Kravik family of painters.