Painting Bryggen
An hands-on workshop with Jana Peterson—at Norway House and online
Photo: Jana Peterson
Artist Jana Peterson’s finished painting of Bryggen after the two sessions.
The Norwegian American
They are among the most iconic wooden buildings in the world. Somehow, we never get tired at looking at them, taking photos of them, and now, painting them.
Recently, the colorful houses at the Old German Wharf in Bergen—Bryggen—were the subject matter for a hands-on two-part painting workshop at Norway House in Minneapolis led by Arizona-based artist Jana Peterson.
But Peterson, like many of the participants, wasn’t present in person at Norway House, rather she was projected on a large screen, giving her instruction virtually. The program was broadcast live on the internet via Zoom, making the class available to artists everywhere.
Photo courtesy of Norway House
Britt Arkadani carefully followed the step-by-step instructions.
Students were equipped with artist supply kits they had ordered upon registration, or they brought along their own supplies. In two one-hour sessions, Peterson walked them through the steps they needed to create their masterpieces, with the opportunity to ask questions.
By the end of the sessions, the course participants could take home their paintings of Bryggen, incorporating Jana’s techniques but characterized by each artist’s own personal artistic touch.
Photo courtesy of Norway House
Students at Norway House saw their instructor on a large screen.
Jana Peterson’s work has been described as “a colorful passion inspired by Norway” (Victoria Hofmo, The Norwegian American, Oct. 9, 2020). To learn more about her work, visit her website at sites.google.com/view/jana-peterson/home.
For more information on Norway House’s programs, visit www.norwayhouse.org.
This article originally appeared in the May 21, 2021, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
