| Folk Arts - Master Artist - Elizabeth Leese
Elizabeth Leese is a master of a traditional style of Norwegian painting called rosemaling. Rosemaling is usually done using oil paints on wood, using traditional patterns in traditional colors and styles. Leese currently resides in Greenbank, Washington.
As a recipient of a 2001 Apprenticeship grant, Leese taught Kitty Stewart rosemaling. Leese focused her teachings on the style of rosemaling used in the Rogaland province of Norway. Within the framework of the Rogaland style, Leese taught Stewart elements of design, shading, and line work. Leese also taught Stewart how to build and prepare boxes and trays, to create backgrounds in traditional colors and styles, and Norwegian cultural sayings and costuming.
Kitty Stewart is from Anacortes, Washington and is of Northern European ancestry. Stewart, who admired Leese’s work for many years, was excited to learn traditional rosemaling techniques. She would like to pass on this part of her national heritage and culture to other members of the community who share this interest.
In 2009 Elizabeth Leese will teach her daughter, Maria Leese, the preparation of woodenware, creating and choosing designs, development and mixing a palette of oil paints to use, stroke techniques, and the application of a finish coat. Maria will also explore and learn different regional styles. They plan on displaying their art during the 2009 Nordic Fest. This event will take place in November 2009. | |||
