LEVEL 1 : UNIT 5 - ABSTRACT PATTERNS
UNIT OVERVIEW
In Unit 5 we investigate a selection of other important mosaic patterns that do not rely on andamento or Opus Tessellatum for their core structure.
The primary pattern we investigate is Opus Insertum which is also often referred to as Opus Segmentatum or Opus Palladianum. It is more commonly known as crazy paving for the irregular shapes of the tesserae and the deliberate lack of flow that the pattern creates.
This approach has been referred to as a smash and stick mosaic method, but do not fear, as we will go well beyond this simplified idea, instead learning about the structure of this pattern and how to create it successfully.
We also investigate several other abstract designs that are created by recycling marble offcuts and repurposed terracotta brick.
RESOURCE PACK
Downloadable PDF
EXTENSION PACK
Downloadable PDF
TEMPLATES PDF
Printable Templates
theory lecture
Video Presentation
LESSON 1 : ABSTRACT PATTERNS DRAWING EXERCISE
In Lesson 1 we carefully observe the shapes of selected stones from a wall in Herculaneum and work out how to cut these irregular shapes from square tesserae.
Format: Video Tutorials
Difficulty: Low
LESSON 2 : ABSTRACT PATTERNS CUTTING EXERCISE
In Lesson 2, using our drawings as a reference, we create a cutting sampler, demonstrating how to execute the cuts from square tesserae.
Format: Video Tutorial
Difficulty: Low
LESSON 3 : ABSTRACT PATTERNS MOSAIC DRAWING
In Lesson 3, we use one of the provided templates to create a tesserae drawing using irregular four and five sided shapes.
Format: Video Tutorial
Difficulty: Medium
LESSON 4 : ABSTRACT PATTERNS MOSAIC SAMPLE
In Lesson 4 , using our drawing as a guide, we cut and lay an abstract pattern mosaic in two colours. This is not without its challenges!
Format: Video Tutorial
Difficulty: Medium
EXTENSION OPTIONS
PDF’s are provided for the extension options below.
Extension 1: Opus Scutulatum
Larger coloured pieces of recycled stone set into an Opus Tessellatum background.
Low Difficulty
Extension 2: Opus Figlinum
A Roman Herringbone Pattern.
Low Difficulty
Extension 3: Opus Spicatum
A Roman Basketweave pattern.
Low Difficulty
LEVEL 1 BUNDLE
5 UNITS
Bundle price saves $100 USD
Unit 1: Linear Patterns
Unit 2: Curves
Unit 3: Circular Patterns
Unit 4: Decorative Knots
Unit 5: Abstract Patterns
Permanent Access
16 Hours of Video Tutorials
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LEVEL 2 BUNDLE
5 UNITSBundle price saves $100 USD
Unit 1: Basic Sdoppiamento
Unit 2: Flared Sdoppiamento
Unit 3: Scaling and Spiraling
Unit 4: Creating Volume
Unit 5: Bringing it Together
Permanent Access
16 Hours of Video Tutorials
Student Feedback
Andamento Academy Membership
PURCHASE UNITS INDIVIDUALLY
I highly recommend the Andamento Level One online course.
This course is very well organized with a wealth of information that Caitlin presents in a clear and engaging manner.
You will grow as a mosaic artist as you work through her well thought out examples of classical andamento.
It’s the next best thing to being there !!
