Minnesota-Swedish Bonad Folk Painting

Inspired by medieval tapestries, bonadsmålning (bonad painting) were densely patterned figurative paintings that hung in homes in Halland and Småland, Sweden during festive occasions. You will view several examples of this traditional folk painting style with a focus on the work of folk artist Johannes Nilsson (1757-1827). Nilsson filled his long narrative paintings with biblical stories, Swedish motifs, fashions, folk patterns, and floating flowers and blåfärgade bubblor (blue bubbles). You will create your own colorful bonad painting using traditional designs, acrylic paint, and a contemporary palette!

In this four-hour introductory workshop, you will gain new skills in Swedish figurative folk painting. We will take coffee upstairs to the workshop for a slide show about Swedish folk painting, followed by a demonstration and composition building on paper and canvas. Then more coffee, or chai, if needed, and more painting! An optional hour lunch break will happen from 11-12. From 12-2 students will complete their painting and share their work in an informal critique. Välkomna!

Registration Includes

Instruction and all supplies and you will go home with your own colorful Swedish bonad inspired painting filled with traditional and new designs!

What goes into our class pricing? As a local nonprofit, Duluth Folk School is committed to supporting both our instructors and community. We want to compensate our instructors fairly, keep class sizes small, and keep our doors open—while also keeping prices as low as we can.

Thank you for participating in our local handcraft and education economy! Together, we help keep Duluth a fun and vibrant place.

Student Requirements

• Skill Level/Prerequisite Skills: This class is for anyone
• Best for Ages: Adults and youth 13 + are welcome to register
• You should bring: A smock, pencil, and you are welcome to bring your favorite paint brushes, but brushes will be provided. You can also bring Swedish folk art inspiration if you choose.

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