What Is Tole and Decorative Painting?

What is Tole and Decorative Painting?

To quote the Society of Decorative Painters:

“Decorative painting is a diverse art form utilizing a variety of techniques and media to decorate functional and non-functional surfaces.

Because of the systematic methods employed, contemporary decorative painting is a highly teachable art form. The patterns or freehand designs allow a high degree of success without academic training or inherent drawing ability. Approached with creativity, discipline and craftsmanship, contemporary decorative painting offers opportunities for artistic self-expression and creative satisfaction./p> p> The scope of contemporary decorative painting is boundless. Styles and techniques of the past are incorporated into the trends and materials of the present, while developing the decorative art heritage of the future.

Tole painting is the general term historically used to describe decorative painting on tin surfaces, especially in New England and by the Pennsylvania Germans. Contemporary decorative painting encompasses not only the folk art styles of Sweden, Norway, Germany, Russia, England and Mexico, but many facets of Early American decorative painting such as stenciling, faux finishing, bronzing, gold leafing, country painting, theorem and graining.”

Tole and decorative painting can be learned by anyone who is willing to put forth a little effort and practice to learn the techniques. You don’t need to be able to draw or choose colors schemes… there are many talented designers in the world who have done this for you in the form of the tole and decorative painting books and patterns we sell. You can start with simple basic designs that can be accomplished with beginner skills, and depending on your personal desire and dedication you can advance to more sophisticated painting techniques and designs in the fine art realm.

The fun of tole and decorative painting is that you can surround yourself with beauty, whimsy, color, whatever your style by decorating everyday things in your home. Paint a table, a chair, candleholder, canisters, a tissue box, a decorative object to sit on a shelf, a canvas for your wall, or even the wall itself… whatever you choose.