LEVEL 7 : FEATURES, FACES, FIGURES
HISTORY, ANATOMY & ANDAMENTO
Andamento Level 7: Features, Faces and Figures is an intermediate/advanced mosaic level focused on developing skill in mosaicing the human face and figure through structural understanding, andamento, form and colour.
This Level is delivered in three parts.
PART A: Greco-Roman, PART B : Byzantine, PART C: Contemporary
The courses combine intensive practical studies with strong theoretical grounding, supporting experienced mosaicists to develop more confidence in figurative work.
PART A : GRECO ROMAN
Level 7 Part A introduces the human figure as a subject in mosaic, guiding students through a structured, progressive exploration of features, facial fragments, and figure fragments.
Drawing on Greco-Roman and early Byzantine traditions, this course focuses on observation, proportion, and the development of form through andamento to build confidence in representing the body.
Alongside practical studies, students are introduced to the historical and narrative context of mosaics from the Greco-Roman world. Figures are explored not only as anatomical subjects, but also as carriers of stories, mythology, and meaning, connecting technical skill with cultural understanding.
Students complete a series of studies, including an eye, nose, mouth, facial fragment and figure fragment each with accompanying drawing exercises to develop anatomical understanding.
PART B: BYZANTINE
Level 7 Part B introduces the symbolic and structured language of Byzantine mosaic. Building on the anatomical and technical foundations established in Part A, students move into a new way of working, where the figure is no longer described only through naturalism, but shaped through hierarchy, stylisation, and symbolism.
Through a series of three focused studies, students explore the transformation of the face into an icon, the role of adornment in defining identity, and the use of gesture in hands, feet, and drapery as carriers of meaning.
Alongside practical work, students engage with the history and narrative of Byzantine mosaics, examining how figures were used to communicate power, religious doctrine and cultural ideas.
PART C: CONTEMPORARY
IN DEVELOPMENT: Scheduled for Terms 3 & 4 2026
In the third part of Level 7 students tackle contemporary representations of the face and figure.
Theoretical study explores representations of the face and figure in the work of artists working across the disciplines of drawing, painting, sculpture and mosaic.
Practical activities include:
1. Exercises in capturing facial expressions through the use of traditional and contemporary of andamento.
2. Reflecting human emotion through the understanding and manipulation of colour.
3. Conveying human experience and story through contemporary approaches to composition, andamento, mixed media, and negative space.
LESSON STRUCTURE
LESSON STRUCTURE
Each lesson contains the following focus areas.
PART 1: FEEDBACK SESSION
We start with a feedback session on the work that has been completed from the previous unit.
PART 2: HISTORY
We then learn more about the focus works, and key stylistic elements.
PART 3: ANATOMY
To help understand the structure of each focus area, understanding the anatomy is essential. Students can undertake drawing exercises or reflect on proportions of the face and body.
PART 4: ANDAMENTO
Students then select a subject from a curated set of options and develop a flow-line and tesserae drawing for their study.
PART 5: COLOUR
A colour analysis (hue, value chroma) is undertaken which helps inform the palette and application of value in the study.
PART 6: MOSAIC
The mosaic study is completed for homework and progress uploaded on the class Padlet for feedback.
Pencil Sketch by Caitlin
Who This Course Is For?
This course is intended for experienced mosaicists who already have a strong technical foundation.
You may be well suited to this course if you:
- Have completed earlier Andamento Levels 1,2 & 3 or have equivalent experience.
- Have a working understanding of andamento, cutting tesserae and working with thinset
- Are interested in anatomy, structure and tonal modelling
- Want to deepen your relationship with historical mosaic traditions
- Are comfortable working independently between sessions
- Are able to engage with online learning comfortably
This is not a beginner course, and it is not outcome-driven in the sense of producing finished portraits quickly.
The emphasis is on learning how faces and figures work in mosaic, building skills that can be carried into future figurative, narrative or abstract work.
If you are unsure if this is right for you please contact Caitlin to discuss.
Do I have to use Marble or Smalti?
No, you can use whatever material you have available.
Do I have to use a Hammer and Hardie?
No, You can use nippers if you prefer, however the hammer is a better long term option.
