Level 1: A Taste of the Classics, introduces five approaches to creating mosaic patterns that are frequently found in classical mosaic.

These patterns are used in combination in different areas mosaics.

To help students understand the structure of each pattern, the elements are taught in isolation, and then integrated.

In this curriculum there are multiple parts to every unit which address different learning styles and support different levels of experience.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION  ACTIVITIES

This free 90 minute Taster Tutorial allows students to experience the style and content of units in the Art of Andamento Level 1: A Taste of the Classics, while teaching students to draw up and make a mosaic sample inspired by the circular patterns of classical pavement mosaics.

This course is free. Registration is required. 

Unit 1 addresses two fundamental principles of Opus Tessellatum mosaic, specifically teaching you to use the interstices to create pattern or flow.

Building a mosaic with aligned interstices relies on colour to communicate the pattern.

Building a mosaic with offset interstices creates a line through the mosaic providing  visual instructions for the eye.

These two approaches are usually combined in classical designs. In Unit 1 we learn these techniques individually before combining them.

Unit 2 introduces a vital skill for all mosaicists – how to create curves!

When mosaic designs move beyond linear patterns, we need a way to describe form. Designs including objects such as fruit, birds, fish and figures require the lines to curve.

This unit explicitly teaches students how to cut and build both gentle (simple) and tight (complex) curves that respond to changing shapes within the design.

Feature forms in mosaic are often outlined to separate them from the background field with an outlining row that also require curves to fluidly follow the form.

The samples for this unit combine skills learnt in Units 1 and 2.

Unit 3 takes an in-depth look at circular patterns.

Often referred to as Fan Shaped Mosaic or Opus Circumactum (which means going around a circle), this style of Opus Tessellatum relies on basic geometry with the principles and variables in the designs hinging on the radial length of the circles and the horizontal and vertical distance between centre points.

The incredible variation in the implementation of circular patterns in classical mosaic is almost infinite. This unit extends the content introduced in the Taster Tutorial and builds on knowledge from Units 1 and 2.

Unit 4 explores decorative knots with a focus on a simplified Solomon’s Knot.

The variations in decorative knots seem infinite however they all rely on similar principles, building the design around key tesserae and successful lines that clearly direct the eye though the pattern, weaving over, under and around the design.

We start with a simplified Solomon’s Knot (made of two interlocking links) and highlight the critical areas to ensure the design ‘reads’ well.

The extension activities for this unit introduce more complex decorative knots and twists that are built on the same principles.

This unit takes a different direction to Units 1- 4 as here we abandon the line. We walk away from andamento and learn to create patterns that do not rely on square tesserae.

Many students come to mosaic through Crazy Paving where pieces are broken randomly then reassembled. This technique has classical roots in building and paving techniques and relies on 4,5 or 6 sided pieces used to create an interlocking pattern.

Crazy Paving has as Latin name Opus Segmentatum, but it may well send you totally crazy as it is much harder than it looks!

In this unit I teach you how to identify, draw, cut and lay a sample in Opus Segmentatum that is deliberately without flow, yet still harmonious to the eye.  

In the extension activities, students can explore a range of other non-linear patterns including Opus Scutulatum (lozenges), Opus Filignum (basketweave) and Opus Spicatum (herringbone).