Olav Okland

Norwegian-American (20th century)

BiographyOlav Okland was born in Norway in a small village, Forde Hordaland, halfway between Bergen and Stavanger. After growing up in Toledo, Ohio, he graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He moved to California and worked as an Engineer until 197l when he quit to paint full time. Olav's first contact with the World of Tole and Decorative Painting occured about two years ago when his foremost collector, Jeanne Sensintaffar introduced him to Jo Sonja Jansen and her students. In Jo's home he conducted a few lessons in still life. His techniques in still life are entirely self taught. Olav has also studied portraiture under the late Leon Franks, figure drawing under Robert E.
Wood and seascapes under Bennett Bradbury. Four of his still life paintings are being published by Bernard Picture Co., Inc.

Olav Okland is a realist painter primarily known for his detailed still life oil paintings that emphasize textures, light, and everyday objects. His work is frequently associated with the "Tole" painting style, a decorative folk art form often performed on tin or wood. His compositions typically feature rustic and kitchen-oriented objects such as copper kettles, brass pots, wine bottles in wicker baskets, pitchers, eggs, lemons, and apples. Okland’s style is defined by a meticulous approach to Realism, focusing on the "little things in life". His technique involves capturing the reflective surfaces of metals and the organic textures of food. He is the author of the instructional book The Realism of Olav Okland (published circa 1979), which was presented by noted decorative artist Priscilla Hauser to teach fine art and Tole painting techniques.

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Olav Okland

Olav Okland

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