ART OF ANDAMENTO
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LEVEL 1
A Taste of the Classics
This foundational level introduces five distinct approaches to creating mosaic patterns that are frequently seen in classical mosaic.
Importantly, these approaches encompass essential principles that form the basis for nearly all styles of mosaic, from classical to contemporary.
In practice, classical mosaic patterns are seldom used in isolation; instead, they are typically combined across different areas of a design to produce a range of compositional effects.
To support this, students first explore the foundational elements of each pattern separately, allowing for a deeper understanding. They are then carefully integrated into more complex designs.
Importantly, these approaches encompass essential principles that form the basis for nearly all styles of mosaic, from classical to contemporary.
In practice, classical mosaic patterns are seldom used in isolation; instead, they are typically combined across different areas of a design to produce a range of compositional effects.
To support this, students first explore the foundational elements of each pattern separately, allowing for a deeper understanding. They are then carefully integrated into more complex designs.
LEVEL 2
Dynamic Andamento
Andamento is a powerful communicative tool in mosaic and a key element of mosaic design, where andamento alone often conveys the subject of a mosaic.
In this context, positioned as an “Andamento Boot Camp,” this level presents structured methods to infuse mosaics with greater dynamism, movement, volume, energy, and expression, all without relying on colour to convey meaning.
Building on this foundation, and drawing from classical techniques introduced in Level 1, the course advances towards contemporary mosaic andamento in a sequential manner. As a result, it presents technical challenges suitable for all levels of experience.
In this context, positioned as an “Andamento Boot Camp,” this level presents structured methods to infuse mosaics with greater dynamism, movement, volume, energy, and expression, all without relying on colour to convey meaning.
Building on this foundation, and drawing from classical techniques introduced in Level 1, the course advances towards contemporary mosaic andamento in a sequential manner. As a result, it presents technical challenges suitable for all levels of experience.
LEVEL 3
Colour Theory Immersion
Many students come to mosaic with a strong sense of colour, but without a structured approach, colour can create havoc in mosaic designs.
To address this, Level 3: Colour Theory Immersion introduces colour theory principles systematically, equipping students with the skills to identify, understand, and apply colour theory in their work. As a result, this directly assists students to enhance and problem solve within their mosaic practice.
In this level, students learn to understand colour as a three-dimensional concept through the Munsell Colour System. They then engage in practical exercises focused on Value, Hue, and Chroma, and learn to successfully combine colour and andamento in their work.
To address this, Level 3: Colour Theory Immersion introduces colour theory principles systematically, equipping students with the skills to identify, understand, and apply colour theory in their work. As a result, this directly assists students to enhance and problem solve within their mosaic practice.
In this level, students learn to understand colour as a three-dimensional concept through the Munsell Colour System. They then engage in practical exercises focused on Value, Hue, and Chroma, and learn to successfully combine colour and andamento in their work.
LEVEL 4
The Value of Volume
Level 4: The Value of Volume brings together and extends skills learnt in Levels 2 and 3 in more complex investigations of stand alone objects that combine the colour theory knowledge of Level 3 and the Dynamic Andamento of Level 2.
Your palette building will become more finely tuned and you can select to integrate larger tesserae and mixed media into your work.
Andamento is generated through the examination of the value and volume of the subject matter and brought to life through the manipulation of hue, value and chroma.
Your palette building will become more finely tuned and you can select to integrate larger tesserae and mixed media into your work.
Andamento is generated through the examination of the value and volume of the subject matter and brought to life through the manipulation of hue, value and chroma.
LEVEL 5
Exploring Genre
Level 5 is a thematic class for intermediate students who have completed Andamento Level 3 or equivalent study.
At this stage, by exploring various genres in visual art, students deepen their understanding of the relationships between mosaic art and the broader art world.
Building on skills developed in earlier levels, they apply andamento and colour theory to explore multiple ways of interpreting, mediating, and composing imagery in larger, more complex compositions.
To support this process, the level draws on relevant visual art and mosaic theory related to each genre.
In addition, students engage in both theoretical research and practical exercises using a range of materials and techniques across selected genres, including Still Life, Landscape, and Water.
At this stage, by exploring various genres in visual art, students deepen their understanding of the relationships between mosaic art and the broader art world.
Building on skills developed in earlier levels, they apply andamento and colour theory to explore multiple ways of interpreting, mediating, and composing imagery in larger, more complex compositions.
To support this process, the level draws on relevant visual art and mosaic theory related to each genre.
In addition, students engage in both theoretical research and practical exercises using a range of materials and techniques across selected genres, including Still Life, Landscape, and Water.
LEVEL 6
Moving Towards Abstraction
With many students drawn to abstraction in mosaic, this level provides context and meaning to its evolution as an artistic approach.
In this context, each unit examines how selected Modernist artists distanced themselves from traditional systems and forged avant-garde paths grounded in independent practice and experimentation.
As a result, this shift required artists to abandon representation and reject prescribed narratives. By understanding this context, students deepen their appreciation of abstraction beyond pattern building and enrich their artistic perspective.
Although the Modernist movement has passed, its underlying philosophies and techniques continue to resonate in contemporary practice.
At this stage, Level 6 is less technically demanding than Levels 4 and 5. However, it introduces greater conceptual complexity as students develop their own abstract responses, connecting subject matter with art theory.
Ultimately, this level empowers students to apply these approaches to their chosen themes, strengthening and extending their mosaic practice.
In this context, each unit examines how selected Modernist artists distanced themselves from traditional systems and forged avant-garde paths grounded in independent practice and experimentation.
As a result, this shift required artists to abandon representation and reject prescribed narratives. By understanding this context, students deepen their appreciation of abstraction beyond pattern building and enrich their artistic perspective.
Although the Modernist movement has passed, its underlying philosophies and techniques continue to resonate in contemporary practice.
At this stage, Level 6 is less technically demanding than Levels 4 and 5. However, it introduces greater conceptual complexity as students develop their own abstract responses, connecting subject matter with art theory.
Ultimately, this level empowers students to apply these approaches to their chosen themes, strengthening and extending their mosaic practice.
LEVEL 7
Features, Faces and Figures
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.
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.
