> Features > Pg 2 Feature Stories > Artist takes craft from theory to reality
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Artist takes craft from theory to reality
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Jan Marchesi, owner of Theorem's Three in Westfield, on right, provides theorem painting instruction in her home to Fran Howelette of Southampton and Donna Hemphill of Hampden. Both women have been taking classes with Marchesi for more than 20 years. Reminder Publications photo by Lori Szepelak
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By Lori Szepelak
Correspondent
WESTFIELD Jan Marchesi has made it her mission to keep the art of theorem painting alive in Western Massachusetts.
"Theorem painting is unique but it's a decorative art form that is dying," said Marchesi prior to the start of a recent Thursday evening class in her home on East Mountain Road.
For more than 30 years, Marchesi has been painting theorems and has taught hundreds of classes for almost the same length of time. She currently exhibits work at the Little Black Dog Gallery in the city and at select arts and craft shows. Her original or precise historical reproductions are featured on holiday ornaments, mirrors, trays, boxes, clocks, pillows, bell pulls and framed paintings.
"Theorem has been a favorite art form of mine because it is so versatile and so lovely," said Marchesi. "The ability to shade and show depth in your painting cannot be accomplished with as much contrast using other mediums."
Marchesi explained that theorem means a "theory or analysis" and refers to the way the artist must analyze the picture he or she wants to paint and divide it into numbered parts in order to cut stencils that are used to create the painting.
"Great care is taken to determine which parts of the design are to appear in the background and to cut the stencils so that each unit of the composition is stenciled separately," she said. "This method of stenciling enables the artist to achieve greater shading detail."
Marchesi noted that several colors can be applied with one stencil, but are spaced far enough apart so as to eliminate any running of color from one area to the next.
"Originally the stencils were traced onto and cut from paper, which was made transparent by oiling or varnishing," she said.
Today, a plastic film called Mylar is used and can withstand much use before it wears out.
"Most theorem painting is done by rubbing oil paints through the stencil openings with a piece of wool wrapped around one's finger onto 100 percent velveteen," said Marchesi, adding that velveteen is the easiest to use because some of the other fabrics "wick" the pigments, which means the paint will bleed onto unwanted areas.
"The velvet also provides greater shading ability," she added. "After all the stencils are used to create the desired painting, a fine liner brush is used to painstakingly add details."
Theorems were most popular from 1800 to 1840, and usually consisted of still lifes including fruits and flowers done in watercolors, oils or pastels on velvet, paper or canvas.
Marchesi noted that because most of the "common people" of the era couldn't afford expensive original paintings, theorems provided a way of having art in their homes.
"The object in early theorem painting was usually not to create original designs, but to copy as accurately as possible, designs provided by a teacher in a girl's school or a traveling art teacher who provided ready made stencils," she added.
Marchesi offers evening and Saturday classes in her home on the basics of theorem painting, and includes the paint and hog-bristle brushes as part of the workshop price. Participants need to purchase a fine liner brush and velvet boards from Marchesi.
"This is a fun class," said Marchesi, adding, "we laugh a lot at ourselves and our mistakes, which at times can be beautes."
For anyone undertaking a new challenge like theorem painting, Marchesi stressed participants need to have a good attitude.
"Not every piece of art is going to be perfect, so have fun with what you are doing, nothing is major," she added.
Marchesi "loves" to teach this art form because she enjoys seeing the amazement on the faces of her students when they complete a piece of art.
"It is really important to me to keep this art form alive," she said, noting she also takes her "show on the road" to local schools.
"The children love to hear about the history and see a painting in progress," she added.
On a recent Thursday evening, two of her long-time students, Fran Howelette of Southampton and Donna Hemphill of Hampden, were eager to share their enthusiasm for Marchesi's classes as well as their instructor.
"She's the best teacher," said Hemphill, adding she enjoys the creative exchange of ideas she has with Marchesi on artwork, mats and framing. Hemphill's current project includes making several framed overflowing baskets of fruit that will be holiday gifts for family members. Each framed basket of fruit will be displayed on a miniature easel as an extra touch.
Howelette echoed the sentiments of Hemphill, adding that Marchesi has "a lot of good ideas and makes wonderful suggestions on shading." Howelette's latest project is an ice skate design that will be incorporated into a Christmas ornament for her niece.
Both Howelette and Hemphill also emphasized that the camaraderie among friends is another reason they have been attending classes for 20 years.
"Plus there's no stress," added Howelette.
Under the soft tone of music playing in the background, Marchesi noted she feels "blessed" to have been able to stay home and raise a family while doing the work that she loves.
For area residents interested in more information on Marchesi's classes, call her at 568-3437.
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> Features > Pg 2 Feature Stories > Artist takes craft from theory to reality
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