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Tole'n with Paula

Tole and decorative painting have their beginnings firmly rooted in the Hallingdal Rosemaling technique. Hallingdal lies to the north of the Telemark area of Norway, a beautiful valley in the Buskerud Fylke. There were many painters from this culturally-rich area. They painted symmetrical designs with bold colors, avoided a lot of detail, and used dark bold outlining. Early American folk art and decorative painting continued and embellished this technique. Most of the pioneer painters were self-taught, remembering fondly the decorations painted by skilled craftsmen back in the homelands they had left to come to the new world. They resolved to change their own household wares and become their own decorators. No two items were identical. Each piece was individual. Families could be identified by their unique style and approach to the technique. Tole and decorative painting is enjoying a tremendous revival as crafters are rediscovering the beauty and expression of the Hallingdal Rosemaling technique. Click on Rosemaling Examples to view decorating at its best.