Primitive Elements & Figures in Rosemaling
Join Bev Gunderson as we look at artifacts of rosemaling and other Norwegian folk art that have been collected over the years, we find a “visual language” as Nils Brekke from the 2005 Rosemaling Vesterheim Symposium put it. Hidden symbolism or stories almost always accompanied pictures and figures in the folk art of the time. These figures were often distorted or simplistic because of lack of training or knowledge of how to draw or paint them correctly.
In this class we will learn how to draw figures, animals, and buildings in correct proportion while still maintaining the folk style of the period and rosemaling. We will work on designing scenes with elements that will compliment your rosemaling. If you have family heritage pictures let's try designing your story from them, in the folk style that works with rosemaling.
September 18, 2025 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm CT
September 19, 2025 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm CT
September 20, 2025 from 9:00 am - noon; 1:00 - 4:00 pm CT
September 21, 2025 from 9:00 am - noon; 1:00 - 4:00 pm CT
ABOUT BEV: Growing up in upstate NY, I didn’t see any rosemaling. After graduating from The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale I went to Chicago to work as a graphic artist/commercial artist. On a trip to Wisconsin, I saw a
rosemaling display at a local fair. The beautiful display piqued my interest and
so began my journey in rosemaling.
I have taken classes from both Norwegian and American teachers. It seems the more I learn the more there is to learn, so I keep taking classes and studying the art. In recent years the expansion into lesser-known styles of rosemaling has made this art even more interesting. I am intrigued by rosemaling and all it encompasses. The history and masters, different styles, beautiful colors, stroke work and details, and just the creativity, is
so amazing.
Rosemaling has given me many opportunities over the years. My teaching experience began
with a community group that lasted over 17 years in the Chicago area. I have also taught for
INRA, WSRA and other organizations, and done commission work for private and organizations.
I enjoy encouraging painters along their rosemaling journey and helping them fulfill their
dreams.
MATERIALS
Paints
You may use oils or acrylics. Class will be taught in oils. Whatever regular paint colors you would use will work. Below are the usual colors.
Titanium white
Unbleached white (or you can mix your own)
Yellow Ochre
Cad Yel Lt
Various reds, light and dark
Prussian Blue
Burnt umber
Burnt sienna
Raw umber
Raw sienna
Ivory black
Mars black
Brushes
Whatever regular brushes you have will work. Below are some suggestions.
Liners - Long and short
Filberts (#2, 4, 6)
Flats (#2, 4)
Short flat or shaders
Other
Tracing/transfer paper
Chalk or lt. colored pencil (Stabillo or similar)
Sketchbooks and pads
several pieces of paper 8 x 11 (computer/sketch) These will be used for a sketching exercise.
Other usual supplies you use.
Paper towels
Brush Cleaner
Walnut oils (medium you use)
Pencils for sketching
Anything else you may need
Backgrounded boards for practice – at least 4 (in a variety of traditional colors)
Project: Item of your choice. Backgrounded in traditional colors (tray, board, larger plate, at least 14” or larger) large enough to include figure or scene AND rosemaling.
Pictures of family farms/homes, people, animals that are special to you and you would like to create a design with them in it. Let’s see what can be done.
Some housekeeping details:
Nordic Canvas is now being charged a fee for refunding a payment that you make through PayPal. We will now need to charge $10.00 for each refund. We apologize for the inconvenience.
IF YOU WISH TO PAY BY CHECK please send an email to nordiccanvasfolkart@gmail.com and we will put you on the class list and send you the address for sending the check.
IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO ATTEND, THIS CLASS IS RECORDED AND ALL REGISTRANTS WILL RECEIVE ACCESS TO THE RECORDINGS FOR UP TO A YEAR.
WHEN YOU ARE NOT IN CLASS WE MISS YOU. IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO MAKE THE CLASS, WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOU SENDING US AN EMAIL.
To get the most out of online classes a second camera focused on your work is recommended, but optional.
Join Bev Gunderson as we look at artifacts of rosemaling and other Norwegian folk art that have been collected over the years, we find a “visual language” as Nils Brekke from the 2005 Rosemaling Vesterheim Symposium put it. Hidden symbolism or stories almost always accompanied pictures and figures in the folk art of the time. These figures were often distorted or simplistic because of lack of training or knowledge of how to draw or paint them correctly.
In this class we will learn how to draw figures, animals, and buildings in correct proportion while still maintaining the folk style of the period and rosemaling. We will work on designing scenes with elements that will compliment your rosemaling. If you have family heritage pictures let's try designing your story from them, in the folk style that works with rosemaling.
September 18, 2025 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm CT
September 19, 2025 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm CT
September 20, 2025 from 9:00 am - noon; 1:00 - 4:00 pm CT
September 21, 2025 from 9:00 am - noon; 1:00 - 4:00 pm CT
ABOUT BEV: Growing up in upstate NY, I didn’t see any rosemaling. After graduating from The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale I went to Chicago to work as a graphic artist/commercial artist. On a trip to Wisconsin, I saw a
rosemaling display at a local fair. The beautiful display piqued my interest and
so began my journey in rosemaling.
I have taken classes from both Norwegian and American teachers. It seems the more I learn the more there is to learn, so I keep taking classes and studying the art. In recent years the expansion into lesser-known styles of rosemaling has made this art even more interesting. I am intrigued by rosemaling and all it encompasses. The history and masters, different styles, beautiful colors, stroke work and details, and just the creativity, is
so amazing.
Rosemaling has given me many opportunities over the years. My teaching experience began
with a community group that lasted over 17 years in the Chicago area. I have also taught for
INRA, WSRA and other organizations, and done commission work for private and organizations.
I enjoy encouraging painters along their rosemaling journey and helping them fulfill their
dreams.
MATERIALS
Paints
You may use oils or acrylics. Class will be taught in oils. Whatever regular paint colors you would use will work. Below are the usual colors.
Titanium white
Unbleached white (or you can mix your own)
Yellow Ochre
Cad Yel Lt
Various reds, light and dark
Prussian Blue
Burnt umber
Burnt sienna
Raw umber
Raw sienna
Ivory black
Mars black
Brushes
Whatever regular brushes you have will work. Below are some suggestions.
Liners - Long and short
Filberts (#2, 4, 6)
Flats (#2, 4)
Short flat or shaders
Other
Tracing/transfer paper
Chalk or lt. colored pencil (Stabillo or similar)
Sketchbooks and pads
several pieces of paper 8 x 11 (computer/sketch) These will be used for a sketching exercise.
Other usual supplies you use.
Paper towels
Brush Cleaner
Walnut oils (medium you use)
Pencils for sketching
Anything else you may need
Backgrounded boards for practice – at least 4 (in a variety of traditional colors)
Project: Item of your choice. Backgrounded in traditional colors (tray, board, larger plate, at least 14” or larger) large enough to include figure or scene AND rosemaling.
Pictures of family farms/homes, people, animals that are special to you and you would like to create a design with them in it. Let’s see what can be done.
Some housekeeping details:
Nordic Canvas is now being charged a fee for refunding a payment that you make through PayPal. We will now need to charge $10.00 for each refund. We apologize for the inconvenience.
IF YOU WISH TO PAY BY CHECK please send an email to nordiccanvasfolkart@gmail.com and we will put you on the class list and send you the address for sending the check.
IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO ATTEND, THIS CLASS IS RECORDED AND ALL REGISTRANTS WILL RECEIVE ACCESS TO THE RECORDINGS FOR UP TO A YEAR.
WHEN YOU ARE NOT IN CLASS WE MISS YOU. IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO MAKE THE CLASS, WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOU SENDING US AN EMAIL.
To get the most out of online classes a second camera focused on your work is recommended, but optional.
I have taken a class from Bev before and I have known her for years. WOW! She knows her stuff, she is generous and gracious with her knowledge. Nordic Canvas is so please to be able to offer this class with Bev. You will not be disappointed! - Patti Goke, VGM