An Afternoon with Theorem Artist, Cheryl Bishop

Angela Lensch Gallery welcomes local artist Cheryl Bishop to her gallery on Saturday, October 17th from noon to 5pm.  The outdoor display will feature Theorem Paintings which include fruit, flowers and holiday themes. Theorem painting is an Early American decorative technique dating back to England as early as 1800. The style came into fashion between 1810-1840 when it became part of the curriculum of finishing schools for proper young ladies.  Although silk and watercolor paper was often used, cotton tea-stained cotton velveteen was the surface of choice. Oil pigments were applied by wrapping a small piece of cotton velveteen or wool around the artist’s finger.

Until recently the process of completing a Theorem Painting was time-consuming and tedious. The chosen design was traced, separated into stencil overlays and cut with an x-acto knife.  This is the process Cheryl was taught when she studied at Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts, in Ludlow, Vermont.  Theorem painting has enjoyed several periods of revival due to the members of the Historical Society of Early American Decoration. You will find it much more popular in the Eastern and Southern United States.

Cheryl has enjoyed over 20 years of stenciling fabric, walls and furniture throughout Door County. Join us to view her collection and to find out more about this historic art form.