Dalmalning, Swedish folk painting, is a tradition dating back to the 1700s and uses traditional Swedish Dala motifs: draped floral garlands and borders, a central vase of flowers accented with animals or people. In this course, students will be introduced to characteristic design elements, palette and their variations while working on a 12” square pre-primed canvas. Some of the appeal of Dala painting comes from the personal elements introduced into a painting; thus, students will be encouraged to adapt the design to their tastes through flower, border and palette choices. Historically, artists are often identified by their use of colors and stroke work, each artist painting just a bit differently. In this spirit, the instructor encourages her students to put their own vision and preferences into their work so that each student's work is unique and will work with students at all levels to help them achieve this. Students are encouraged to bring a photos of animals, pets or occupations they may wish to include.