Rosemaling - Norwegian Decorative Painting

Painted Rooms:
Scandinavian Interiors by Sigmund Aarseth

Traditional decorative arts meet contemporary living in the Scandinavian interiors of Sigmund Aarseth.

'Painted Rooms' presents an impressive variety of beautifully painted interiors, from colorful traditional Norwegian farmhouses to exciting commercial interiors. The book shows the innovation, experimentation and individuality which has always been an important part of the Norwegian psyche. It also documents a renewed demand for colorful, decorated rooms in Norway.

The broad range of styles and techniques featured in this book makes it a valuable resource for anyone with an interest in interiors, decorative arts or Scandinavian lifestyles and traditions. It is also an indispensable reference book for decorative artists, interior designers and crafts people of any discipline.

Contains more than 200 color photographs by Gudmund Aarseth.

Artists who specialized in rosemaling came from poorer classes in the countryside, rather than the land owners. They would travel from county to county painting churches and/or the homes of the wealthy for a commission of either money or merely room and board. Thus rosemaling was carried over the mountains and toward Norway's western coast. Once farther away from the influence of the painters' guilds, these artists tried new ideas and motifs. Rosemaling became widespread as amateur artists in rural areas often imitated this folk art. Soon strong regional styles developed and today the three main styles are Telemark, Hallingdal and Rogaland, named after the region of Norway in which each originated.

Norwegian Immigrants brought the art of rosemaling to the United States, and many of the immigrants came from parts of Norway where rosemaling was well established. They carried their belongings in beautifully rosemaled trunks, Some of the immigrants were Rosemaling painters. This generation, however, contributed little to the development of American rosemaling in the 20th century, because rosemaling began to go out of style starting in 1860.

Rosemaling experienced its revival in America in the 20th century. Norwegian-Americans became interested in the rosemaling decorated possessions of their ancestors. American rosemaling began to develop and flourish. The revival of Rosemaling in the United States is often credited to Per Lysne who was born and trained in Rosemaling in Norway. He came to America in the early 20th Century and was employed as a wagon painter in Stoughton, Wisconsin. When business slowed during the Depression he began to rosemal again. Others imitated his work.

Today Norwegian rosemaling is taught in many areas of the USA. Rosemaling associations sponsor classes and competitions.

Telemark

The Telemark style is asymmetrical with a root center from which a scroll branches out with leaves and flowers that are varied and irregular. Designs are "fantasy-like" and transparent. (In recent years a shaded, opaque Telemark is preferred.)

Hallingdal

Baroque scrolls and acanthus leaves wrap around a central flower. The designs are symmetrical, using opaque color and not generally shaded. Backgrounds are red, black-green, dark green, and a lighter blue-green.

Valdres

Flowers are grouped in a bouquet or garland, gathered in an urn or hanging from a rope. Realistic flowers can be identified and given a name. Leaves are slender, long, s-shapes with a second s turning it at the end. Flowers grow from blue landscapes.

Rogaland

In Rogaland, flowers are more important than scrolls and leaves. Tulips, stylized roses, 4 and 6-petal flowers, and the daisy pull-out are used. Designs are symmetrical. Opaque colors on dark backgrounds, and the use of cross-hatching, dots and teardrops characterize Rogaland.

Os

Typically backgrounds are white or red. Designs include geometric shapes such as cubes and squares, and architectural motifs such as churches or fine houses. Flowers, both symmetrical and asymmetrical are grouped on stems. Heavy line detail on leaves. Transparent, bright colors,and saw-toothed borders are used.

Gudbrandsdal

Gudbrandsdal style is an imitation of carving. Acanthus scrolls and leaves predominate in a C with an S extension. Shading gives leaves a 3-dimmensional look. The flowers used are tulips and 6 or 8-petal roses that center in the C and, again, in the S above. Often symmetrical.

Vest Agder

Symmetrical and somewhat geometric. Typified by light colors on a dark background, teardrops by the dozen along the leaves and scrolls. Opaque colors, not shaded, and with red, black and white overlays are typically used. Oval flowers are split down the middle with contrasting colors.

Jo Sonja's Guide to Decorative Painting:
Traditional Inspirations/Contemporary Expressions

"I am totally in awe of this book. Not only has Jo Sonja collected exquisite photographs of folk art from all over the world, she has also provided wonderful instructions for creating each of the styles on your own--and added notes for developing your own personal style. In the next millenia, Jo Sonja will be remembered for her work as one of the great folk artists of this century."