2025-09-03 – Motifs of the Rococo and Baroque Style (In-Person)

Schedule: 

September 3-7 (9:00-5:00 pm CT)

Instructor: 

Andrea Herkert

Location: 

This is an in-person class held at Vesterheim Folk Art School. 

Exploring the traditions of Telemark and Hallingdal rosemaling, this class will cover painting, history, and culture. The early Norwegian rosemalers were influenced by the work of the Guild artists’ painting. They observed the work of these trained artists in public buildings, particularly churches, where the ancient acanthus motif was painted with Baroque and Rococo influence.

In this class, we will focus on the two areas of Norway where the oldest and most defined styles—Telemark and Hallingdal—were found and how the early rosemalers developed their characteristics. We will become acquainted with the foundational traditions of Baroque and Rococo. We will spend time in Vesterheim’s collection and study center viewing the work of the early rosemalers and identifying the foundational motifs that influenced them.

Finding inspiration in the early traditions, we will paint two different traditional mangletre, one focusing on the characteristics of the Rococo in Telemark and another in Hallingdal, which was influenced by the Baroque. There will be designs offered in each as our point of departure to understand the stylistic influences on rosemaling. A compare and contrast approach will highlight the importance of design, composition, color, and detail found in each area’s painting.

This in-depth study of rosemaling’s history will deepen your understanding of the art’s traditions and the culture from which it grew, as well as strengthen confidence in your painting and designing skills.

Level of Instruction: 

Supplies: 

Enrollment Deadline: 

Click here to learn more about instructor Andrea Herkert.

Please read our COVID-19 Policies here.

Note: The photos used in this class page are of a similar project but not the one you will be painting during class.

Rosemaling classes are supported in part by a generous gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund from Susan and George Louthain and The Wilma A. Anderson Endowment.