Description
Date: October 4, 2025
9 am – 4 pm
Skill Level: Beginner and Intermediate
Class Registration Fee: By September 16, 2024: $90.00
After September 16, 2024: $100.00
Explore the world of Swedish folk painting, also known as dalmålning, or “kurbits” painting. Learn about the history and cultural significance of this art form, followed by a hands-on workshop to create your own kurbits-style painting. This session is perfect for beginners, intermediates and anyone who identifies as kurbits-curious.
While originating in Sweden in the mid-1700’s, dalmålning shares similar design elements to those found in French Quimper and German Fraktur paintings. Dalmålnings typically tell a story of daily peasant life. Bible passages and royalty are also common themes. The paintings are highly decorative and feature stylized floral patterns and borders unique to each artist’s local parish.
Students need to bring the following supplies:
Brushes (Short Handle for Acrylic Paints)
• Round #4, #6, #10
• A Short Liner Brush
Tools
• Palette knife
• Ivory soap bar or other brush cleaner
Misc.
• #2 Pencil
• Gum Eraser
• Paper for Planning Sketch
• Apron or other clothing protector
• 12” Ruler. (An inexpensive clear sewing ruler, is very handy)
• Brush Pan
• Small Spray Bottle
Materials fee: (To be collected directly from students by instructor in class): $15 includes a palette set up and painting surface.
Renee Vaughan first embraced dalmålning in 2003, and has since expanded her love of Swedish folk arts to playing music on the nyckelharpa. Her art is firmly rooted in tradition while exploring contemporary ideas and experiences. Renee draws inspiration from life in Minnesota, her decade of work with dementia care and hospice, and from the lives of marginalized artists.
In 2022, Renee had the opportunity to study hundreds of original dalmålnings at Sweden’s Dalarnas Museum during her Folk Art Fellowship, granted by the American Scandinavian Foundation for her musical accomplishments.
