Rosemaling Classes

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum Folk School

This class will focus on the study of Romsdal and Nordmøre styles found in Møre og Romsdal, and will include a discussion on how the elements from these styles were influenced by rosemaling from the districts of Sør-Trondelag and Oppland. We will visit the Vesterhem collection and museum exhibits to view pieces from Møre og Romsdal, Gudbrandsdal, and Valdres.

There will be two small class projects – one in the Nordmøre style and one in the Romsdal style. Students may wish to purchase the woodenware for these projects or paint on practice boards during the class.

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum Folk School

In this class students will work in oil paint to create gorgeous leaves and flowers from the boreal ecosystem of Scandinavia using the techniques of rosemaling. During class we will talk about some of the historical aspects of rosemaling while creating modern forms using traditional brushstrokes. These boreal plant designs are reminiscent of botanical illustration and will be painted on heavy paper, perfect for framing. If students prefer to bring woodenware to paint on they are welcome.

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum Folk School

Oskar Kjetså was an incredibly creative Norwegian rosemaler. He used characteristics of Telemark, Hallingdal, and other rosemaling styles to create a style all his own. In this class we will focus on the characteristics of Oskar’s style, including his use of color and linework, to create a project based on the flowers from one of his paintings.

The class photo serves as an illustration of Oskar Kjetså's artistic style, rather than a preview of what will be created during the class.

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum Folk School

Join Norwegian instructor Anne Hesvik as she shares how she draws inspiration from 17th and 18th century painters. Anne will help you find harmony between the linework and colors in your composition. This class will be taught in oils.

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum Folk School

In this class, students will paint their own acrylic Dala horse. Instructor Tara Austin started rosemaling these acrylic Dala horses in 2019. They are fabricated at Northern Acrylic in Duluth, Minnesota. While learning about the history and styles of rosemaling, students will paint one side of the horse in oil paint using either the provided pattern or their own creation.

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum Folk School

Working from life gives the plein air painter real time information that can be used on site or in the studio later. It helps to train the mind to pay attention to the essential elements of a scene and ignore the superfluous. It helps in identifying what is special about the scene you want to paint. The bonus is that you’re outside! When we are outside we are “burning daylight.” There’s a certain amount of discipline that comes with plein air since the light is continuously changing. We learn to capture the essence of a scene and do it with intention and eventually some speed.

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum Folk School

Join Norwegian instructor Anne Hesvik as she shares how she draws inspiration from 17th and 18th century painters. Anne will help you find harmony between the linework and colors in your composition. This class will be taught in oils.

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum Folk School

​The Gudbrandsdal style of rosemaling originated in the Gudbrandsdalen region and is recognized by foliage of the acanthus leaf. This course emphasizes the basic technique for painting these acanthus scrolls. Students will apply their skills to a 12’’ lidded box or 12” wood panel.