I have a lot of unfinished art projects cluttering my life. Unlike other people who give up on a project because it is not turning out as well as they had hoped, I give up on projects that have come out quite well. The fact is, the happier I am with my art, the more likely I am to leave it unfinished. Why? Because I am paralyzed by the thought that my effort cannot measure up to what I have already done. I might ruin it in the process of finishing it!
Rosemaling is a style of decorative painting that was originally practiced in Norway from 1700 to 1880. It was used to decorate walls, ceilings, and furniture, as well as decorate everyday useful wood objects such as trunks, bowls, tankards, and lidded containers. The traditional media was oil paints and occasionally chalk.
Characteristics of Rosemaling
I then purchased quite a few rosemaling pattern books. I proceeded over the next few years to trace the patterns, follow the directions, and replicate as closely as I could the photographs in the books.
But, my breakthrough was when I read a quote by Sigmund Arseth. He stated that a student should not copy patterns for more than two or three lessons. “This can become a fatal habit that will prevent the student from ever advancing to the creative level in rosemaling.” (Uh oh!) I took his advice to heart. Now, I rosemal freehand. And I have to say, I find freehand painting much more enjoyable and creative! (I’ll have a lot more to say about making the jump to freehand rosemaling in future posts.)
Characteristics of Rosemaling
- Decorates practical objects
- Organic feel
- Scrolls dominate the design
- Flowers are stylized
- Scrolls and flowers are ornamentally outlined
- Curved lines, not straight or geometric
- Not realistic
- Two-dimensional
- Traditional colors are toned pigments
I then purchased quite a few rosemaling pattern books. I proceeded over the next few years to trace the patterns, follow the directions, and replicate as closely as I could the photographs in the books.
But, my breakthrough was when I read a quote by Sigmund Arseth. He stated that a student should not copy patterns for more than two or three lessons. “This can become a fatal habit that will prevent the student from ever advancing to the creative level in rosemaling.” (Uh oh!) I took his advice to heart. Now, I rosemal freehand. And I have to say, I find freehand painting much more enjoyable and creative! (I’ll have a lot more to say about making the jump to freehand rosemaling in future posts.)
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We have about six inches of fresh snow. Until last night, my Fjord horse had disdained his shelter. But, it finally got cold enough that he was actually sleeping in his shed when I got outside this morning.
Luna, my mama llama, wants nothing to do with snow. Inca, her baby, bounded out of the shed into the snow before she noticed it. Then suddenly Inca froze mid stride when she realized her whole world had changed overnight. She wanted to rush back to her mama’s side, but she was afraid to take another step. She took a tentative step forward only to stop and make pitiful cries. She did not like the sensation of the snow between her toes. She reminded me of a cat trying to avoid wet paws. Finally, as if she had mustered her courage, she bounded back the shed. She hurried to her mama’s side and sought the comfort of suckling her mama’s warm milk. I hurried to finish my barn chores and sought the comfort of hot coffee in the kitchen!
Greeting our newborn llama "Inca" in the pasture.
We have about six inches of fresh snow. Until last night, my Fjord horse had disdained his shelter. But, it finally got cold enough that he was actually sleeping in his shed when I got outside this morning.
Luna, my mama llama, wants nothing to do with snow. Inca, her baby, bounded out of the shed into the snow before she noticed it. Then suddenly Inca froze mid stride when she realized her whole world had changed overnight. She wanted to rush back to her mama’s side, but she was afraid to take another step. She took a tentative step forward only to stop and make pitiful cries. She did not like the sensation of the snow between her toes. She reminded me of a cat trying to avoid wet paws. Finally, as if she had mustered her courage, she bounded back the shed. She hurried to her mama’s side and sought the comfort of suckling her mama’s warm milk. I hurried to finish my barn chores and sought the comfort of hot coffee in the kitchen!
Greeting our newborn llama "Inca" in the pasture.
About Linnea Rose
