Dianne Dally has found a way to reinvent a 150-year-old folk art form for the ’90s.
The New Lenox, Ill.-artist does theorem paintings, traditionally images stenciled on velvet in oil paints. Dally has given them a new twist by using acrylic paints on washed, natural-colored cotton that’s been “antiqued” with coffee and tea stains.
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Her theorems–especially her larger works, such as her Noah’s Arks or a watermelon slice resting on white china plate or her mist-kissed lilacs are done in subtle shadings in a muted palette.
Dally, whose former business was selling health and personal care products to distributors, had always had unfulfilled artistic leanings and “wanted to bring some folk art into modern decorating.” When she saw an old theorem at an art show last January, she felt immediately drawn to it.
Her first efforts netted her a second place at the Naperville Women’s Club Art Fair in July. And since then, Dally has explored a variety of themes in a variety of sizes. Davy’s smaller theorems sell for $18. Her 18-by-22-inch Noah’s Ark sells for $240 framed, $180 unframed.
Shops carrying Dally’s work are: The Cottage House, 122 Center St., Grayslake, 708-223-3466; Shops on Scranton, 37 E. Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff, 708-735-0001; Saxton Home Decor, 227 W. Maple Av., New Lenox, 815-485-4101.
Dalley’s New Homestead studio is at 400 N. Marley Rd., New Lenox. Hours are by appointment; call 8l5-485-l099.