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, 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 True American Folk Art

Theorems are unique, traditional folk art. Nancy considers herself a true folk artist because she is self-taught. She has learned her craft through studying antique theorems and reproducing them. Nancy now offers over 200 different theorem designs of which 90 art featured in our online galleries. Nancy does both contemporary and historic reproductions.

Theorems Are Not Prints

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 velvetine 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.

About American Folk Artist - Nancy Rosier   Nancy was a guest speaker at Colonial Williamsburg in October of 2007. Nancy lecture and demonstration was on the art of theorem painting 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. For a pictorial view of Nancy's demonstration at Colonial Williamsburg click here   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. To get a better idea of the frames offered by Nancy please Click Here.   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.   She has been selected each year for close to twenty years as a member of the nationally acclaimed “Directory of Traditional American Crafts” Learn More... which showcases America’s finest artisans who are dedicated to preserving the early American crafts.   Nancy’s work was among the few artists asked to contribute their art to decorating the Christmas White House during the Clinton administration.   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.