Explore the art of kurbits (dalmålning) and make your own casein paints in this Swedish folk painting class inspired by the farmhouse interiors of the Dalarna region! Originally painted on linen or paper, these charming scenes featured the large, telescoping bloom of flowers known today as a “kurbits.”  Easy-to-make casein paints behave similarly to acrylic or egg tempera. Using these paints, students will adapt traditional flower and leaf forms to create their own floral/urn design on a homemade canvas. This class encourages students to create their own patterns, but templates are also available, making this project appropriate for all skill levels. Discussions and demonstrations will include: making paints using powdered pigments and casein liquid; exploring brush control, traditional colors, and design; and reviewing historic examples. Students will have access to a brief YouTube video (optional) to watch prior to class in order to learn more about this folk art and its connection to Swedish heritage. Students will head home with a unique piece of folk art and the ability to continue painting themselves! This class welcomes students of all skill levels but is especially appropriate for students with past painting experience. Students ages 16+ are welcome to register for this course independently.

The $20 materials fee taken at registration covers the prepared canvas and use of paint supplies. Brushes are available for loan in class but students are also invited to bring their own; please see the required materials list for more information

The $20 materials fee taken at registration covers the prepared canvas and use of paint supplies. Brushes are available for loan in class but students are also invited to bring their own; please see the required materials list for more information.

This class encourages students to create their own patterns, but templates are also available, making this project appropriate for all skill levels. A short video will also be shared with students to view ahead of class.

This class welcomes students of all skill levels but is especially appropriate for students with past painting experience. Students ages 16+ may sign up for this course.

Physical Ability

This project requires the ability to sit and do close handwork for long periods of time. Please bring magnification (e.g. readers) if you use it for close up work.

Required Tools

The instructor will provide: Brushes, paints, palettes, and canvas.

• Practice paper – like 1-2 pieces of 8 x 10” tagboard, heavy cardstock, or a cut-up cereal box, or extra canvas pieces - that have been painted with a light background color. (any white or ivory craft paint or house paint will work)
• Brush pan for water if you have one - deli containers will be available to use if you don’t
• Stylus if you have one, otherwise a pen or sharp pencil will work

Optional Tools

The following items will be available in class, but in limited supply. Bring your own if you wish.

• Paper and pencil for sketching and notetaking
• Ruler
• Masking tape
• Scissors

NOTE: A variety of brushes are available in class, but if you wish to bring your own, you may! Bring what you have! Here is an example of some of the brushes we will be using:

• Filbert and/or Round Brushes #4, #6, and #8. Good brands are Blick GoldenTaklon masterstroke, Princeton Heritage, Princeton select, Cottman
• Long liner (about ½”-5/8”) – for example #3 size Winsor&Newton Cotman Watercolor Brush series 222
• Shorter liner – for example: Princeton 3750 #1 or #2, Winsor&Newton Cotman 222 series #1 or #2, Blick Masterstroke Golden Taklon size #1 or #2
• ½” wide brush (any brand)