About the Artist
Just as the 19th century artists examined in the book Artists in Aprons, American Folk Artist Nancy Rosier has felt throughout her life the need to express herself in many creative mediums. Theorem painting, Nancy’s specialty, captured her attention some twenty years ago.

What is a Theorem Painting
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, 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.

Self Taught
Nancy considers herself a true folk artist because she is self-taught. To achieve this level of painting, a great amount of research has been done, through reading as well as many trips to folk art museums throughout the country. Nancy learned her craft through studying antique theorems and reproducing them. After conquering the painting procedure and becoming adept at reproducing the 19-century theorems, she has branched out to include her own original designs. She is known for her elaborate museum quality theorems.

Nationally Recognized
Nancy has become a nationally recognized artist and authority on theorem painting. Many magazines, newspapers, and several books have featured her work. She has been interviewed often and asked to write numerous “how to” articles. Her work is exhibited and sold at fine-juried shows across the country. She was chosen by the White House to create a theorem ornament for the Blue Room Christmas tree. 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.

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

Theorem Painting Exhibit now Open at Colonial Williamsburg

Most recently was asked by Colonial Williamsburg to participate in painting a theorem for video exhibit presentation.