Rhoda Fritsch, VGM

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2010 has begun and that is hard to believe if we think about it too long!! So, let’s think about Rosemaling instead. I have had several questions, perhaps if I can answer them here and it will help all of us.

Due to health challenges I have not been able to rosemal for several months so my inventory is lower than it ever has been. ALL the pieces that are For Sale are shown in the Shop section of the web site. I seem to be doing better, so I plan to ‘try it again’ in the next day or two. Watch for the new items to appear!!!

Due to this situation, I cannot take orders if the piece is needed by a certain date – and I cannot make changes to the pieces already completed. I could write a name and date on the back of a piece that is already finished.

I will keep a record of pieces that are asked about without a certain date necessary for delivery.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Blessings in this New Year…. and good health to all!!

This is my studio desk/table showing projects I was working on at once; here the projects are at different stages in the Rosemaling process.

This is the completed bowl.
Look in the For Sale section of the website for it and other new items.

My grandmothers were both 100% Norwegian – and immigrated to America in the late 1880’s.

My maternal grandmother’s family was from outside of Isfjorden in Mor og Romsdal. My grandmother was the first child of that family born in America. She was like the sixth child of the family.

My paternal grandmother was from the area near Mandal. She had her seventh birthday on the ship coming to America.

Where are your roots found?

Norwegian Rosemaling is a stylized & decorative folk art form derived from methods & designs that began by artists in Norway as far back as the 1700’s.

‘Rosemaling’ translated means flower painting & is characterized by flowing lines, imaginative, fanciful flowers, & subtle colors.  Rosemaling is pronounced ‘rose-maul-ing’.

Rosemaling is painted with artist paints & brushes.  Historically, rosemaling was done on wooden items, walls and ceilings to brighten & decorate homes.

The designs are composed of ‘C’ & ‘S’ strokes, used together to create a design that fits each object.  The earthy reds, yellows, greens, blues, & whites all harmonize & blend together as creativity, experience, & style to make each piece unique in the art.

………….Coming soon!!……………

Ask here. I will try to answer your questions

Norwegian Rosemaling has been a large part my life and my family for more than thirty years. I love the graceful lines, traditional colors, and spontaneity of design.

I have learned from many Master American and Norwegian Rosemalers. I have studied old Rosemaling in many museums, homes, and churches in America and Norway.

I have been greatly influenced by the Telemark masters, but my original training was in the Rogaland Style which is still noticeable in my work. I paint in techniques that are used in Norway today.

My Rosemaling has developed into my own personal, simple, organized, organic style derived from traditional Norwegian works. I love to use deep rich colors, graceful strokes, flowers and scrolls. My designs and techniques are well known among accomplished Rosemalers and recognized by others. Pieces of my work can be found throughout the world.

My work is very collectible, pleasing, in demand and sought after – and sometimes fought over .  I paint with deep emotion and ‘feel’ my Rosemaling as I create each piece.