Welcome to Nancy Rosier's website on theorem painting!

The Artist's Corner - Upcoming Shows / Articles / New Additions

* The December 2009 edition of "Early American Life" Magazine published a article on theorem painting by
Gregory LeFever. I was one of the theorem artist's selected for this article. Click Here for a review of article

* Nancy Rosier has been selected by Early American Life for the 2010 Directory of Traditional American Crafts. This is the 25th Anniversary of the directory and Nancy has been selected over 20+ times. The Directory of Traditional American Crafts is an honor bestowed on a handful of artisans who work in traditional media, an award that singles out their work as the best now produced in American today.

What are theorem paintings?

Theorem painting (meaning painting with the aid of stencils) is considered traditional folk art. It was popular in the 1800s. Theorem painting is most often done on white velvet fabric (Paintings on Fabric), which gives the painting a soft, lovely depth. Oil paint is presently used as it simulates the look of the antique theorems whose paint was hand mixed. Fruit and floral arrangements are the most popular subjects, but scenes were sometimes done. 

Theorems Are Not Prints - Each Theorem & Frame is Hand Painted

Everyone has prints. Theorem paintings are not prints.

Theorems are oil paintings on eggshell colored velvet. Each painting is hand painted by the artist with the use of a stencil. They are not mass-produced.

Each theorem starts as a numbered line drawing. The numbers represent position not color. The stencil is then cut from the line drawing. Each stencil and the correct color is then applied to the cotton velveteen fabric. The numbered stencils are then used in sequence to complete a finished theorem. Theorems are true American Folk Art which can be found in Museums throughout the United States.  

Guest Speaker at Colonial Williamsburg Symposium

Nancy was a guest speaker at Colonial Williamsburg in October of 2007. Nancy lecture and demonstration was on the art of theorem painting (stencil fabric art) at their four day symposium called "Remember me when this you see" Embroidered and Painted Arts of the New Republic".

Nancy demonstrated the art of theorem in front of 250 people from all over the United States. This demonstration included comparing theorems from the Williamsburg Collect to those that Nancy painted. Nancy also showed how each theorem starts as a line drawing which is used to create multiple stencils. Painting the theorem was then done by applying the paint to the velvet fabric with the use of a stencil.

For a pictorial view of Nancy's demonstration at Colonial Williamsburg click here

False Grained Frames - Another Traditional Decorative Art

To have total artistic control over how Nancy’s paintings are presented, she has learned several traditional decorative art techniques she uses to paint the handmade frames for her theorems. Each frame is hand painted with a base coat and then a overlay of colors. Graining can be done with terry cloth, feathers, fingers, or a corncob.

The price of each theorem includes the hand painted false grained frame. To get a better idea of the frames offered by Nancy please Click Here.

National Recognized

Nancy has become a nationally recognized artist and authority on theorem painting. Many magazines, newspapers, and books have featured her work. She has been interviewed often and asked to write numerous “how to” articles for national magazines.

Her work is exhibited and sold at fine-juried shows across the country as well as a few select shops, many associated with museums.

Early American Life Magazine - Wonderful Support of American Folkart

She has been selected each year for over twenty years as a member of the nationally acclaimed “Directory of Traditional American Crafts” which showcases America’s finest artisans who are dedicated to preserving the early American crafts. See Early American Life write-up on Nancy by just Click Here.

For more information about Early American Life magazine please click on the following links:

The Early American Life Magazine website - www.ealonline.com
Directory of American Craftsmen 2005 - 2009 - www.ealonline.com/directory/index.php
The Directory of Traditional American Craftsmen 2009

Nancy has been juried into the 2010 Directory of American Craftsmen. This directory is a excellent resource for the finest American Craftsmen in the United States.

"SIDE BY SIDE THEOREM PAINTING" by Gregory LeFever
The December issue of "Early American Life" has a wonderful article on theorem painting. Nancy has provide pictures of museum reproductions that highlight this wonderful art form.

Nancy's Theorems Are In Some Wonderful Places

White House Christmas Tree

Nancy’s work was among the few artists asked to contribute their art to decorating the Christmas White House during the Clinton administration. The Christmas ornament was based on Nancy Rosier's Lady Liberty Theorem.

You can see an exploded view of Lady Liberty by clicking on the picture shown to the left.

Colonial Williamsburg - Lodge & Gift Shops

Nancy has been commissioned and provided Colonial Williamsburg with thirty-three large paintings, which hang in the public and private spaces within the Williamsburg Lodge.

Please visit the Williamsburg Lodge Gift Shop to see Nancy's theorems on display or at the gift shop at the Dewitt Museum. While you are at the Dewitt Museum stop by the Abby Aldrich Museum and see the historic theorems that are on display there.

American Folk Art Shows Attended by Nancy Rosier

Nancy offers a brochure about Nancy Rosier and Rosier Period Art. Please stop by our booth and pickup a brochure or just click here and get a version you can download to your own computer.

Please stop by our booth at one of these Juried American Folk Art Shows. See the finest in American Folk Art and hand crafted American pieces.

The Designer Craftsmen Show of Philadelphia - King of Prussia Pennsylvania (PA) - Near Valley Forge

The American Folk Art Show - Kane County Convention Center - St. Charles Illinois (IL)

The York Folk Art and Craft Show - York Pennsylvania (PA)

Endview Plantation Show - Colonial Craftsman's Faire - 12 miles from Colonial Williamsburg Virginia (VA)

Bedminster Show - Vocational Technical School - Bedminster, Buck Co. Pennsylvania

67th Waterford Show - Waterford Virginia

Trinkle Hall Show - College of William & Mary - Near Colonial Williamsburg