Marie Skinner
Gallery
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Artist Statement
People often ask, “When did you begin painting?” My mother told me I was born with a paint brush in one hand, a knitting needle in the other, and a very lusty voice! My creative efforts followed all three of those early indications, but painting gradually won out. It has been my love and, along with raising my family, has absorbed most of my time. It is the best therapy I know of, has helped pay for itself with wholesale and retail sales, and has provided the unique enjoyment and happy memories of 35 years of teaching.
I have painted in all the mediums, as far as I know. Stenciling with bronze powders has become my favorite, both for its exquisite beauty and its identification with our country‘s heritage. My involvement with bronze powder stenciling has included studying the methods of Esther Stevens Brazier and many years of practice, teaching and exhibiting, including presentations of public television.
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Theorem painting is the art of stenciling on velvet and was popular in early 1800-1860. The young New England genteel ladies sought a new diversion from the embroidery needle, and found the theorem painting fascinating. Instruction in theorem painting was often a part of the curriculum in female seminaries. It was sometimes called “Poonah” painting after the city in India where it is said to have originated.
The word “theorem” means a theory or formula in which the artist analyzes the picture and divides it into numbered parts to be cut as stencils. Oil paint is used with a nearly dry brush to give the soft shaded look.
Velvet paintings appeared as pictures, on firescreens, quilts, pillows, bell pulls, purses and ball dresses. Many decorative painters today are bringing back the painting art of theorem painting and designing their own distinctive theorems.
