LEVEL 7 : FEATURES, FACES, FIGURES
HISTORY, ANATOMY & ANDAMENTO
PART B - BYZANTINE
Running Live Online May – July 2026
Andamento Level 7: Features, Faces and Figures PART B is an intermediate/advanced mosaic level focused on developing skill in mosaicing the human form through structural understanding, andamento and tonal modelling with specific focus on Byzantine mosaics.
Working with smalti, students explore the symbolism and stylistic qualities of Byzantine mosaic through the exploration of facial features, faces & figures and the associated decorative elements that exempify Early Byzantine, Late Byzantine, Norman and Neo Byzantine Mosaic.
The course combines intensive practical studies with strong theoretical grounding, supporting experienced mosaicists to develop confident, figurative work.
Presented in 3 x 3 hour Live Online lessons, with 3 x optional check in sessions.
UNIT 1: Fri 8 May 26,
Check in: Fri 22 May 26
UNIT 2: Fri 5 June 26
Check in: Fri 19 June 26
UNIT 3: Fri 3 July 26
Check in: Fri 17 July 26
Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm AEST
Lessons are recorded and uploaded to the online classroom.
UNIT 1: CONSTRUCTING THE FACE
In Unit 1 students undertake a comparative study of Greco Roman and Byzantine facial features focussing on the stylistic shifts between styles.
Students will create a study of one or more facial features in the Byzantine style gaining a clear understanding of how the Byzantine approach moves away from the descriptive modelling of the early Greco Roman period to a more stylised design.
Eye of Empress Zoe
by Angela Adams
Eye of St Peter,
by Caitlin Hepworth
Facial Fragment of Emperor Justinian
by Chris Wolfe
Unit 2: IDENTITY AND ADORNMENT
Building on your facial features study, this unit expands into the construction of identity through a full face and surrounding adornment.
You will develop a resolved head incorporating a halo, crown or headdress, and ornamental detail.
The focus moves beyond likeness to explore how hierarchy, status, and meaning are communicated through visual elements such as gold background, jewellery, robes, halos, and pattern.
This is the largest study in Level 7 so far.
Empress Theodora, Interpretation by Caitlin Hepworth
St Helena, Neo Byzantine Mosaic, by Jo Mitchell
UNIT 3: GESTURE AND DRAPERY
In this final unit, you will extend your work to include hands, feet, and fabric.
You will be introduced to key hand gestures and their meanings, along with the simplified and rhythmic treatment of drapery.
Through this process, you will learn how gesture, object, and textile work together in Byzantine Mosaic.
This unit also includes some robust instruction on how to DRAW hands and feet well beyond the simplified stylised representations in Byzantine Mosaic, building knowledge to take forward into Level 7, PART 3: Contemporary.
Ktisis, Haliplibache Mosaic Museum Şanlürfa, Türkiye
Image: Caitlin Hepworth
Ktisis is included in this course as a powerful example of how meaning is constructed through symbolic form in early Byzantine mosaic.
Her name comes from the ancient Greek κτίσις (ktisis), meaning foundation, creation, or establishment, linking her directly to the act of building. Rather than a historical individual, she represents the concept of construction itself, often associated with imperial or civic projects.
She is shown richly adorned, holding a measuring stick used to measure feet.
Her mosaic from Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum demonstrates how gesture and object communicate role and purpose.
COURSE & LESSON STRUCTURE
3 x 3 Hour Live Online Lessons
3 x Check in sessions for feedback and discussion between lessons
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. In lesson 1 this will be reviewing the Greco Roman Figure Fragments from Part 1.
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 optional drawing exercises or reflect on proportions of the face and body and how these have been realised of manipulated in the mosaic examples.
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.
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 completed Level 7 Part A or have some experience in creating features, faces and figures in mosaic.
- 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
- Would like to work towards creating your own portraits
The emphasis of this course is on learning how faces and figures work in mosaic, building skills that can be carried into future figurative, narrative work.
If you are unsure if this is right for you please contact Caitlin to discuss.
Do I have to use Smalti?
No, you can use whatever material you have available.
Do I have to buy gold smalti? $$$
Whilst Oro (Gold Smalti) is a signature element in Byzantine Mosaic there are thousands of Byzantine pavement mosaic made in stone.
You can also create the effect of gold in numerous ways and can combine a range of materials (including stone and other glass) to create a luminous effect.
Do I have to use a Hammer and Hardie?
No, You can use nippers if you prefer although the hammer is a better long term option.
Is this class offered in person?
Yes, this class will run in person with Caitlin through Hepworth Studios. Enrolment in the studio class includes automatic enrolment in the online class.
LEVEL 7, PART B- 3 UNITS
FEATURES, FACES & FIGURES
Unit 1: Constructing the Face
Unit 2: Identity and Adornment
Unit 3: Gesture and Drapery
9 Hours of Live Online Lessons
3 x Check in Sessions
Online Classroom
Lesson Recordings
Downloadable Resources
Access to Class Padlet
Prerequisite: Level 3 or Equivalent
Andamento Academy Membership
