ANDAMENTO LEVEL 7
FEATURES, FACES AND FIGURES
HISTORY, ANATOMY & ANDAMENTO
Andamento Level 7: Features, Faces and Figures is an advanced mosaic level focused on developing skill in mosaicing the human form through structural understanding, andamento and tonal modelling. Working across three terms we cover Greco-Roman, Byzantine and contemporary approaches. Students study individual facial features before integrating them into faces or figures using marble, smalti and mixed media. The courses combine intensive studio practice with strong theoretical grounding, supporting experienced mosaicists to develop confident, expressive figurative work.
TERM 1: Greco Roman - Early Byzantine
TERM 2: Byzantine
TERM 3: Contemporary
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Term 1 Dates
Wednesday 4 February Wednesday 18 February Wednesday 4 March Wednesday 18 March Wednesday 1 April Times: 10am - 4pm Students: Min 4 - Max 8 Materials: All tools and materials are included. Term 1 we will be working with marble, using thinset in the direct on mesh or plastic method. Students will be supplied with substrates and frames for their completed samples. Fees: Term 1: $890 Includes 30 hours tuition at $25/hr + $140 Materials Fee |
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Course Description
This advanced course focuses on learning to mosaic facial features, facial fragments and the human figure. It is designed for experienced mosaicists who are ready to work with anatomical structure, tonal modelling and historically informed approaches to figure mosaic.
Classes run fortnightly on Wednesdays, aligned with the studio session calendar.
Some students may choose this class as an alternative to, or in addition to, regular studio sessions.
The course runs across three terms, each with a distinct historical and material focus.
Term 1: Greco-Roman - Early Byzantine
Working primarily with marble, focusing on andamento, structure and proportion with classically restrained palette.
Term 2: Byzantine
Working with colourful smalti, and mosaic gold exploring stylistic qualities of the later Byzantine period.
Term 3: Contemporary
Working with mixed media including marble, smalti and other materials, extending historical knowledge into contemporary expression.
Each term consists of five lessons:
UNIT 1 – Eyes
UNIT 2 – Noses
UNIT 3 – Mouths
UNIT 4 – Facial fragment, combining individual features into a cohesive face or partial portrait
UNIT 5 – Figure fragment - Students may either continue resolving a cohesive face or extend their learning into a figure fragment.
Lesson structure
Part 1 - History: Each lesson begins with a focused theory presentation, supported by extensive examples that highlight the history & narrative behind selected works.
Part 2 - Anatomy: To help understand the structure of each focus area, understanding the anatomy is essential.
Part 3 - Andamento: Students then select a subject from a curated set of options and develop a flow-line and tesserae drawing for their study.
Part 4 - Colour: A colour analysis (hue, value, chroma) is undertaken which helps inform the palette and application of value in the study.
Part 5 - Mosaic: Practical work is commenced in class using the direct method on mesh or plastic. Studies are refined and resolved as homework, or during optional Thursday or Friday studio sessions.
Part 6 - Feature Artists: Each term we will invite professional mosaicists who work with portraiture and the figure to share their work and insights on the development of their mosaic practice.
All materials are provided.
Each student receives a personal tool box and the materials required for each study.
A substrate and frame are supplied for each study.
Online access
All students enrolled in the in-person course receive automatic enrollment in the corresponding online course, held on the alternate Friday fortnight. This includes access to live online sessions, the LearnDash classroom, lesson recordings, supporting resources, and the international class Padlet for sharing work and receiving peer feedback.
If you are interested in the Online Course Only please visit www.artofandmento.com
This advanced course focuses on learning to mosaic facial features, facial fragments and the human figure. It is designed for experienced mosaicists who are ready to work with anatomical structure, tonal modelling and historically informed approaches to figure mosaic.
Classes run fortnightly on Wednesdays, aligned with the studio session calendar.
Some students may choose this class as an alternative to, or in addition to, regular studio sessions.
The course runs across three terms, each with a distinct historical and material focus.
Term 1: Greco-Roman - Early Byzantine
Working primarily with marble, focusing on andamento, structure and proportion with classically restrained palette.
Term 2: Byzantine
Working with colourful smalti, and mosaic gold exploring stylistic qualities of the later Byzantine period.
Term 3: Contemporary
Working with mixed media including marble, smalti and other materials, extending historical knowledge into contemporary expression.
Each term consists of five lessons:
UNIT 1 – Eyes
UNIT 2 – Noses
UNIT 3 – Mouths
UNIT 4 – Facial fragment, combining individual features into a cohesive face or partial portrait
UNIT 5 – Figure fragment - Students may either continue resolving a cohesive face or extend their learning into a figure fragment.
Lesson structure
Part 1 - History: Each lesson begins with a focused theory presentation, supported by extensive examples that highlight the history & narrative behind selected works.
Part 2 - Anatomy: To help understand the structure of each focus area, understanding the anatomy is essential.
Part 3 - Andamento: Students then select a subject from a curated set of options and develop a flow-line and tesserae drawing for their study.
Part 4 - Colour: A colour analysis (hue, value, chroma) is undertaken which helps inform the palette and application of value in the study.
Part 5 - Mosaic: Practical work is commenced in class using the direct method on mesh or plastic. Studies are refined and resolved as homework, or during optional Thursday or Friday studio sessions.
Part 6 - Feature Artists: Each term we will invite professional mosaicists who work with portraiture and the figure to share their work and insights on the development of their mosaic practice.
All materials are provided.
Each student receives a personal tool box and the materials required for each study.
A substrate and frame are supplied for each study.
Online access
All students enrolled in the in-person course receive automatic enrollment in the corresponding online course, held on the alternate Friday fortnight. This includes access to live online sessions, the LearnDash classroom, lesson recordings, supporting resources, and the international class Padlet for sharing work and receiving peer feedback.
If you are interested in the Online Course Only please visit www.artofandmento.com
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:
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.
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 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
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.
Monochrome Mosaic, Palazzo Massimo Rome
Image: Caitlin Hepworth
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Euphrates , Zeugma Mosaic Museum Gaziantep
Image: Caitlin Hepworth
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Cubiculum Mosaic
Villa Romane de Casale, Sicily
Image: Caitlin Hepworth
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