tole painting - decorative painting

Site last updated Monday, December 24, 2012

Click here for important information regarding Tole Expressions site updates.

---

"What's a Tole?" I've been asked.

The word "tole" according to good ole Merriam-Webster refers to sheet metal and especially tinplate used in domestic and ornamental wares.

Historically, the phrase "Tole Painting" was used to describe the art of decorative painting on tin, which began in New England in the latter half of the 18th century.  It's said that those who could not afford fine china learned to "fancy up" their tinware with paint.

Over the years, the phrase "tole painting" has been gradually included under the umbrella of "decorative painting" and expanded to include painting on a wide variety of surfaces (wood, glass, porcelain, fabric, ceramic and pottery as well as tin) and incorporating a wide variety of today's mediums and techniques.  Many styles of folk art, stenciling, gold leafing, trompe l'oeil, faux finishing and the beautiful Norwegian Rosemaling and Russian Zhostovo are all examples of decorative painting according to the contemporary definition.

"But I'm not an artist!" you say.

That's the best part. Anyone can learn decorative painting. All you need is your imagination and time to practice. So c'mon in, look around and find out what this "tole painting" business is all about.