Making wonderful glass mosaic tile art is easy! Let me show you how.
Andamento (Italian for “flow”) is the visual movement of your mosaic created by placing tesserae in specific patterns to achieve the desired image (a.k.a. “coursing” your tesserae).
Opus (Latin for “work of art or literary work”) is any work in any creative field, such as literature, architecture, music, and fine art. In our world of mosaic art, opus refers to how we arrange our tesserae. Different opera (the plural of opus) result in different flows. Understanding the various opera allows you to properly plan your work to ensure you achieve the desired look.
The following opera terms are based on Latin. Few people I know, including me, remember two minutes after rading about them what each term means. It doesn’t matter what you call each style. For example, instead of saying “Opus Regulatum,” you can call it “squares aligned like a brick wall.” The point is to be aware of the types of opera, then plan which types give the results you want, and then create your masterpiece accordingly.
This articles merely describes the basic andamento types; whereas, the eBook provides visual examples. Don’t get hung up on the names; simply be aware of the various styles and how your eyes react to each. Plan your work to give the desired flow and effect. I won’t try to describe in art-speak the effect that the eyes see in each opus because your eyes may interpret something completely different than mine. Besides, I never understand so called connoisseurs when they use words like energy, strong, sharp, dynamic movement, and dynamic power to describe a particular opus. I remember a pretentious guy who once told me, “Your lines are crisp and intense, and give the piece a provocative personality.” I confidently responded, “That’s exactly what I was going for,” although I had no idea what he was talking about. I felt I had to acknowledge what sounded like a compliment by pretending to understand his art-speak.
Surf the Internet for mosaic artists, study their work, and note the flow of their tesserae. Pay attention to how each type of flow makes you feel. Associate the flows with the feelings they stimulate in you. Then, plan your own work using the flows for the feelings you hope to evoke in others. Try mixing several types of opera into your work. For example, try using Opus Regulatum for the border, Opus Palladianum for the background, and Opus Sectile for the focal point.
Opus Tesselatum is a square or rectangle pattern with grout lines aligned, such as a checkerboard.
Opus Regulatum is also a square or rectangle pattern but with grout lines staggered like a brick wall. I sometimes use a variation of this opus as a background by enhancing the effect using light tesserae in the center and gradually darkening the tone to the border.
You’ll find inconsistencies with the definitions of tesselatum and regulatum in that some believe they’re reversed. Those who believe as I do have sound justification. For example, the Latin “tessella” means “small square piece of stone.” The Latin “tessellatim” means “in a checkered or tessellated form.” The modern “tessellate” means “arrange in a checkered pattern.” Therefore, I’m comfortable being in the group that defines the two terms as noted above. However, there’s another discrepancy, which is with the spelling of “tesselatum.” Does it have one “l” or two? I use one “l” to stay consistent with the other “…latum” opera described below. Again, it doesn’t matter what you call them or how you spell them as long as you understand that the two styles exist and they each can arouse different feelings when used in mosaics.
Opus Reticulatum is similar to opus regulatum or tesselatum but with slanted lines.
Opus Sectile is either a piece of tessera cut to one specific shape or several tesserae of varying sizes cut to shapes that fit together like puzzle pieces.
Opus Vermiculatum is typically a single row of tesserae following the outline of a focal point or main feature of the mosaic. Some artists use several rows to create the halo effect and add emphasis to the focal point. The background is usually done with a contrasting opus, such as opus regulatum. “Vermis” is Latin for worm, so think of opus vermiculatum as a worm surrounding your focal point.
Opus Musivum is opus vermiculatum extended out to fill the background, either all the way to the borders or to secondary focal points.
Opus Classicum combines opus vermiculatum with opus regulatum or opus tesselatum.
Opus Palladianum uses similar shapes laid in an irregular pattern. In my opinion, triangle like shapes with relatively equal grout spacing works best for this opus.
Opus Circumtactum uses interlocking fan like patterns for the background.
Remember, the eBook gives visual examples of each type of andamento described above, making it so much easier to understand its associated flow.
Making mosaic art is easy. You can do it. Yes, you can! Let me show you how.
About the Author:
Bill Enslen has created beautiful mosaic art for 30 years. His new eBook, Mosaic Pieces: Essentials for Beginner and Professional Mosaic Artists, gives you step-by-step details for creating your own mosaic masterpieces. Visit his website and read the free sample chapters at Glass Mosaic Tile Art. Let him show you just how easy it is. With Bill’s help, you can do it. Yes, you can!
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Glass Mosaic Tile Art: Andamento (huh? What’s That?)
How to Make an Art Tile Part One
|
|
1000 Tiny Mosaic Glass Tiles – Assorted Colors $9.00 The ridges in the picture are actually the backs of the tiles. The photo is representative of what you will receive. The actual colors may vary somewhat…. |
|
|
5 Pounds Mosaic Glass Tiles – Assorted Colors $10.00 The ridges in the picture are actually the backs of the tiles. The photo is representative of what you will receive. The actual colors may vary somewhat…. |
|
|
Wheeled Nipper $17.99 Circular cutting blades for easy nipping and cutting. Replacement blades available…. |
|
|
Hometime: How-To Guide to Ceramic Tile $13.47 … |
|
|
Fantastic World of M. C. Escher [VHS] $6.89 Through first-person accounts by his friends and mathematicians, computer animated recreations of his work, and a look at his sources of inspiration in Italy and Spain, this video explores the work of this Dutch artist. 50 minutes…. |
|
|
Extraordinary Stenciling VHS- educational- step by step demostrations… |
|
|
The Decorative Painter with Paula DeSimone, Painted Ceramic Tiles [VHS] $19.95 The Decorative Painter with Paula DeSimone video series is a must have for decorative home craftworks. In this video you’ll learn how to create beautifully painted tiles in minutes through new and creative techniques. This is a step-by-step demonstration that shows how simple painting techniques through color shaping can transform a plain ceramic tile into a work of art. This is an easy to do proj… |
|
|
3pc DIAMOND HOLE SAW – CORE DRILL – Set – 1/4 + 5/16 + 3/8 $8.44 … |
|
|
Florida Tile Pietra Art Classic Mosaics Honey Onyx Polished 12 x12 Hexagon Me… Florida Tile Pietra Art Classic Mosaics Honey Onyx Polished 12″ x12″ Hexagon Mesh Mounted Mosaics are appropriate for all residential and commercial wall applications, and residential and light commercial countertops and floors… |
|
|
Red Poppy Road by Joanne Margosian – Tuscan Landscape Tumbled Tile Marble Mural 16 x 24 Kitchen Shower Backsplash $189.95 This beautiful mural will surely create a stunning focal point in any room of your home! Our tumbled marble tiles have chiseled edges, appear distressed, and may have pits, show veins and other natural characteristics of the stones. The artwork is softer and has less detail than murals on ceramic. Colors on these stone tiles may vary slightly. If you want a mural that’s more vibrant, crisp and wit… |
|
|
Mosaic Mercantile Tile Nipper tile nipper $14.88 Basic mosaic tile nipper features 5/8 in. carbide tip blades, drop forged body, and comfortable grips. Ideal for nipping, snapping or cutting mosaic tiles. |
|
|
Mosaic Mercantile Ceramic Tile juniper $2 Ceramic Mosaic Tile are made by skilled workers using ancient Japanese technology. The tiles can be used in infinite combinations on nearly any reasonably smooth surface. Tiles measure approximately 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. x 1/8 in. thick. Shade and size variations are part of the characteristics of Ceramic Mosaic Tile. Each bag contains 24 tiles. All tiles are smooth on both sides except for Red Clover, which is ridged on one side. |
|
|
Mosaic Mercantile Ceramic Tile pepper $2 Ceramic Mosaic Tile are made by skilled workers using ancient Japanese technology. The tiles can be used in infinite combinations on nearly any reasonably smooth surface. Tiles measure approximately 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. x 1/8 in. thick. Shade and size variations are part of the characteristics of Ceramic Mosaic Tile. Each bag contains 24 tiles. All tiles are smooth on both sides except for Red Clover, which is ridged on one side. |
|
|
Mosaic Mercantile Ceramic Tile walnut $2 Ceramic Mosaic Tile are made by skilled workers using ancient Japanese technology. The tiles can be used in infinite combinations on nearly any reasonably smooth surface. Tiles measure approximately 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. x 1/8 in. thick. Shade and size variations are part of the characteristics of Ceramic Mosaic Tile. Each bag contains 24 tiles. All tiles are smooth on both sides except for Red Clover, which is ridged on one side. |
|
|
Mosaic Mercantile Ceramic Tile wisteria $2 Ceramic Mosaic Tile are made by skilled workers using ancient Japanese technology. The tiles can be used in infinite combinations on nearly any reasonably smooth surface. Tiles measure approximately 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. x 1/8 in. thick. Shade and size variations are part of the characteristics of Ceramic Mosaic Tile. Each bag contains 24 tiles. All tiles are smooth on both sides except for Red Clover, which is ridged on one side. |
|
|
Mosaic Mercantile Mosaic Tile Primer primer $5.02 This specially formulated water-based, rust-inhibitive primer is ideal for preparing surfaces for mosaic adhesive, tile, and grout. The primer can be used indoors or outdoors, on wood, metal, concrete, plaster, plastic, and most other surfaces. Mosaic Tile Primer comes in 8 oz. bottles. |
|
|
Dover Decorative Tile Designs Decorative Tile Designs ISBN 048645195X $3.32 The decorative richness and structure of tiles make them ideal coloring subjects. These 30 intriguing tile illustrations – adapted from Spanish, Islamic, and other cultures from around the world – explode with elegant florals, geometrics, and intricate, repeating patterns. Book specifications: paperback, 32 pgs., 8 1/4 in. x 11 in. Publisher: Dover, 2006. |
|
|
Mosaic Mercantile Mosaic and Tile Adhesive 4 oz. bottle tile adhesive $4.15 A specially formulated water-based adhesive designed to apply glass or ceramic mosaic tile to wood, metal, concrete, plaster, plastic, glass, and most other surfaces. Dries clear. For wood or other surfaces with may warp or distort if exposed to water, we recommend first applying a protective base coat of primer before using the adhesive. |
|
|
Mosaic Mercantile Mosaic and Tile Adhesive 32 oz. bottle tile adhesive $23.7 A specially formulated water-based adhesive designed to apply glass or ceramic mosaic tile to wood, metal, concrete, plaster, plastic, glass, and most other surfaces. Dries clear. For wood or other surfaces with may warp or distort if exposed to water, we recommend first applying a protective base coat of primer before using the adhesive. |
|
|
Mosaic Mercantile Mosaic and Tile Adhesive 8 oz. bottle tile adhesive $6.72 A specially formulated water-based adhesive designed to apply glass or ceramic mosaic tile to wood, metal, concrete, plaster, plastic, glass, and most other surfaces. Dries clear. For wood or other surfaces with may warp or distort if exposed to water, we recommend first applying a protective base coat of primer before using the adhesive. |
|
|
Mosaic Mercantile Mosaic Essentials Set with Nipper mosaic kit $37.35 This set contains the essentials to create a beautiful work of art. And it’s easy to use, even for the novice. This set contains 1 lb. of assorted colors of Italian Vitreous glass tile, tungsten carbide tipped mosaic tile nipper, 1 lb. of sanded tile grout, grout spreader tool, grout sponge, 2 oz. bottle of mosaic tile adhesive, wooden applicator sticks, latex gloves, and full color step-by-step instructions. Just nip tile, glue, position tile, and grout. |
|
|
Jennifer’s Mosaics Tile Nippers tile nippers $15.47 Quickly nip glass and ceramic tiles into shapes. Tungsten carbide nippers stay sharp. 8 in. |
|
|
National Artcraft Bisque Tile 4 in. round $1.28 These Bisque Tiles are compatible with a variety of paints and glazes. They can even be used unglazed as coasters, as the clay body actually soaks up water. Bisque tiles are perfect for adding a personal touch to kitchen and bath tiling projects; just paint and fire. Tile sizes are approximate and may vary slightly. |
|
|
Mosaic Mercantile Smalti Mosaic Tile assorted 1/2 lb. smalti mosaic tile $12 Small rectangular multi-colored chunks of opaque glass, hand-made in Italy. Smalti (or smalto) is the type of opaque glass used in classic Byzantine mosaics. It is also sometimes called Venetian Enameled Glass or Byzantine Glass. Smalti spans the spectrum, from intense colors to pastels and earth-tones. As each piece is cut by hand, the size of each tesserae varies, but they are approximately 1/4 in. thick by 3/4 in. long. Smalti is very weather resistant and will not fade. It is easy to cut with tile nippers or with a traditional hammer-and-hardie. There are approximately 240 to 250 pieces per pound. It will take anywhere from 2 to 3 pounds per square foot–the amount depends upon the width your grout line. |
|
|
Mosaic Mercantile Mirrored Glass Tile 3/4 in. square 20 tiles/bag $3.36 Designed for easy nipping and application, this mirrored glass tile may be used in infinite combinations on nearly any reasonably smooth surface. Tiles can be incorporated into a colorful mosaic as an accent or simply used on their own. Tiles measure 1/8 in. (3 mm) thick. Instructions included. |
