Petra Haas concentrates her work specifically on theorem still-life paintings. Theorem painting is an early nineteenth-century technique made on cotton velveteen, silk, or watercolor paper using stencils. Once the composition has been stenciled, the artist carefully applies paint for depth and tone. Haas adds a quirky, modern twist to this traditional method with contemporary imagery, not only painting flowers, bowls of cherries, and fruit baskets but also brand names like Miracle Whip and Scott toilet tissue. Having time for experimentation, Haas explained, has made all the difference in her work: “I truly feel that I haven’t painted my best piece yet…That’s how your art keeps growing. It stays alive this way because you’re always looking for new ideas and new directions.”
Source: McClard Segotta Antiques Folk Art and Americana, The Philadelphia Inquirer
