Theorem painting by Nancy Rosier

Theorem Painting by American Folk Artist Nancy Rosier are paintings created with the aid of stencils and is considered traditional folk art. Theorem paintings were 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.

Artist Nancy Rosier

Artist Nancy Rosier is a nationally recognized artist and authority on theorem painting.  She has been published in magazines, newspapers, and several books that 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. 

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. Fruit and floral arrangements are the most popular subjects, but scenes were sometimes done.

Theorem Gallery

We offer a online gallery that contains over 200 theorem paintings by American Folk Artist Nancy Rosier.  This gallery will feature new additions as well as museum reproductions.  Each theorem is shown in thumbnail view and then an individual  shopping cart page for each painting. 

 The Tailgate Antique Show now known as The Nashville Show Feb. 15th, 17th, 20182018 Show Schedule

My calendar of events is a combination of upcoming juried art shows, museum exhibits, and upcoming magazine articles.  These are the shows scheduled for this year:

Nashville Traditional Artisan Show
February 15th - 17th, 2018
Zoar Harvest Festival Art Show 
July 28th - 29th 2018
Bedminster Traditional Artisan Show 
September ??th - ??th 2018

Colonial Williamsburg Theorem Exhibit

As a contemporary folk artist specializing historically based theorem painting many years, I am very excited to share the news that Colonial Williamsburg has just opened a long term exhibit on theorem painting in their art museums. I was asked to contribute to the exhibit by participating in a video being shown on how I paint a theorem. It is a vanishing art form, learn what it is. CLICK HERE to learn more!

Grained Frames

Each of my theorem paintings come framed and ready to hang on the wall.  I offer gilded gold frames, but a majority of my frames are hand crafted.  My husband builds each frame and then I hand paint and grain.  This process is called false graining.  I use everything from corncobs to the side of my hand.

Museum Reproductions

Thanks to museums allowing me to photograph, measure, and see the actual theorem, I have been able to create my own adaptation of these historic theorems.

Thanks to Early American Life

Many thanks to Early American Life Magazine.  Their support of traditional crafts and the American Folk Artist has really helped to give us a voice.  Please support Early American Life.