How to Learn the Art of Theorem Painting

In the early 1800's, oil painting or watercolor on white velvet was a very popular pastime. This craft of using a series of layered stencils to produce a perfect design is known as "Theorem Painting". The painting is produced by examining the picture that the artist wants to paint and dividing it into several parts. Each section is painted by rubbing or brushing the paint through individually pre-cut stencils. The stencils are used in the order of the background to the foreground. Theorem paintings produce a final product which is soft, delicate, and charming. Many original antique theorem paintings are displayed at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts.

Today, theorem painting is becoming a popular, inexpensive art that can be learned in a very short time. Many craft shops offer classes in this beautiful art form. Although stencils are used, the final painting is an original work of art due to the creative stenciling and shading process.

The first item needed for Theorem Painting is white velvet. The velvet can be dyed with tea to give it an antique look or paint directly on the white velvet for brighter coloring. Make sure to buy authentic velvet as any synthetic fibers may not take the paint.

Oil paints are the next important items to be purchased. The colors will depend upon the look you are trying to attain. It is up to the individual to decide on colors, depending upon the décor of your home. The following colors will give you a good basis for all types of paintings both modern and antique: titanium white, cadmium yellow, cadmium red, burnt umber, raw sienna, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, and sap green. Also have a few fine pointed brushes of various sizes for delicate outlines, vines, seeds, etc. Paper palettes work well for mixing colors, or you can use large plastic covers as a palette.

Stencil paper can be found at all craft stores. Transparent stencil paper is needed to be able to line up the stencils correctly with the parts that are already painted. Make sure it is of good quality, so the paint does not seep through onto what you have already painted.

The next important tools are the x-acto knife for cutting the stencils and heavy cardboard for mounting the velvet. Spray adhesive works well for keeping the velvet smooth and easy to work with.

Squares of flannel or any soft cloth are needed for rubbing the paint through the stencils onto the velvet. Make sure to have enough cloth squares for all the colors you will be using.

The first step is to choose a design, tracing it onto paper which will be used as the basis for cutting the stencils. Examine the drawing and number the parts, in the order in which you will be painting them. Make sure that each number does not touch another part with the same number, or there will not be outline definition.

Over the numbered drawing, place a piece of stencil paper. Trace all the parts labeled number one. Remove this piece of stencil paper and place another one on the drawing. Trace all the parts labeled number two. Continue with this process until all the numbers are traced to stencil paper.

Cut the numbered parts out of each sheet of stencil paper very carefully, as each flaw will show up in the final painting.

Cut a piece of velvet to the size of the cut stencils and mount it on cardboard. Press evenly on the velvet to remove any wrinkles.

Place the first stencil over the velvet. When the stencil is in place, make a mark at the corners to follow for lining up the rest of the stencils. Tape the stencil at the corners and edges, so that it doesn't move while painting.

Likely Page BreakDecide on the colors for the first pattern, and mix them on the palette. Wrap one of the cloth squares around your index finger and dip it into the paint. Rub it gently onto the palette to remove any excess paint. Too much paint will run under the stencil. The fabric should actually feel a bit dry with a scant amount of paint. You can always add more if the color is not as dark as you would like. Use lighter colors first, then darker for the shading. Shading is very important in theorem painting for an authentic looking design.

Once the first stencil is complete, remove it and carefully place the second stencil over the velvet. If the paint is too wet from the first stencil, you might have to wait until it dries a bit. Follow the same procedure as you did for the first stencil. Continue this method until all the stencils are used. You will be amazed as your design takes form on the velvet.

When you are finished with the stencils, check the painting for any gaps left by the stencils. Use one of the fine brushes to fill in these spaces. The fine brushes can also be used to add outline definition, vines, fruit seeds, etc.

That's all there is to it. After a little practice, more complicated designs can be made or you can design your own. Design ideas can be found in bird magazines, flower magazines, photos, still life arrangements, and animal pictures or just about anything you can cut into stencil form.

Theorem paintings make wonderful gifts, and conversation pieces. Take a look at Theorems by Merrily to see many beautiful finished theorem paintings. Be creative and you will be creating breathtaking theorem paintings in no time.