Featured Artist: Gayle Oram, MDA, VGM

I have been decorative painting now for thirty years. I have enjoyed painting most of the folk art styles during that time, but now my concentration is on European Flowers and Norwegian Rosemaling. I received my MDA from the Society of Decorative Painters in 1980 and a Gold Medal from the Vesterheim Rosemaling Competition in 2000. Unlike most rosemalers, I cannot find Norwegian roots in my ancestry, unless it goes back to the Viking days when they plundered my Scottish, English and French ancestors. It must be so, because I have such a strong love and warmth for this beautiful painting and country. I enjoy studying, researching, and painting the different styles, which led to the writing of my rosemaling books.

I originally painted with oils, but chose Jo Sonja's Gouaches when they came on the market. They work very well and with the use of the mediums, one can achieve the same results. I have loved the look European flowers since my 1964 trip to most European countries. My garden also provides an endless supply of subjects.

Since 1982 I have been self-supporting, working at my studio-shop, developing a line of clocks and other products for decorative painters. Building something from raw wood to the finished product is especially gratifying.

Enjoy! Gayle