Nancy is drawn to rosemaling, painting in the styles of Rogaland/Ryfylke, Agder, and Hallingdal. The palette that she uses in painting these styles echoes the colors found in the shimmering clear coastal light of the west coast of Norway where her ancestors lived. Odalen’s journey in the study of rosemaling began with her first Vesterheim class in 2001. She continues to take classes from instructors who have given generously of their time and talents. Nancy is an experienced teacher, having taught rosemaling classes since 2007. Odalen last taught at the Vesterheim Folk Art School in 2018, and more recently she taught at Wisconsin State Rosemaling Association. Odalen loves teaching beginning rosemalers, as well as more experienced painters, and each spring she teaches at the Sons of Norway Lodge in Stoughton Wisconsin. Nancy currently has seven points towards her quest to become a Vesterheim Gold Medalist. Her journey continues as she learns from the old, creates pieces that come from her soul, and shares her knowledge with those she teaches.