Norwegian Rosemaling: Decorative Painting on Wood

Rosemaling - which literally means rose painting - is the art of decorating wooden surfaces with traditional designs. This art originated in Norway several centuries ago and, like many other crafts, is enjoying a revival today. The graceful colorful designs adapt easily to contemporary architecture and unpainted or homemade furniture. As in Norway, where the long dark winters inspired a love of bright colors and patterns, rosemaling can be used here to decorate beds, chairs, benches, chests, mantels, cupboards, doors, shutters, stair risers and ceilings. It is also appropriate for smaller things, such as trays, boxes, lamp bases or anything made of wood. This book gives full directions for doing the decorating from start to finish and specifies the necessary materials. It also gives a history of the craft and illustrates the traditional styles which include flowers and leaves, scrolls and lettering, and the techniques of brush strokes needed for each detail. It should inspire many American artists whether of Scandinavian descent or not.