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

These patterns are most often used in combination in different areas of 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.

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 such as building the design around key tesserae and 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 from Units 1–4. Here we abandon the line, stepping away from andamento to explore patterns that do not rely on square tesserae.

Many students come to mosaic through Crazy Paving, where pieces are broken and reassembled into interlocking forms. This approach has classical roots in construction, using irregular four, five, or six-sided shapes.

Known in Latin as Opus Incertum (well-fitted irregular stonework) and Opus Segmentatum (less regular reused fragments), this method is far more challenging than it first appears.