In this 4 hour class you will make a  small abstract mosaic in the direct method. Learn how to use B cuts and larger pieces of smalti to add interest to your work. Students will have the opportunity to see how to use the hammer and hardie to shape and texture these larger pieces of smalti. We will focus on cutting and laying smalti following the rules for creating a good line. I recently heard Rachel Sager say smalti is the champagne of mosaic material. I agree its luscious color palate and unique reflective qualities make every tessera a little sculpture in itself. Every piece is different. This is what I love about it, but it is also what can make smalti challenging to work with. Class is from 9-1 in my Rockport MA Studio

Price $150 To sign up contact me here

In this course we will create a 11’’x14’’ mixed media mosaic using lime mortar. We will start by looking at the work of the Ravenna artist Marco de Luca to create a truly harmonious texture with the individual mosaic stones placed side by side. You will create a free composition using stone, glass or other natural and recycled materials in the Spilimbergo technique on a thin backing of netting and thinset. This mosaic will not be grouted and the surface will not be smooth, but will emphasize the unique structure of the materials. The tesserae/pieces can be rough or solid, glossy or opaque, in relief or flat. We will focus on ANDAMENTO to create movement in the laying of  the tesserae. The most important element of mosaics, whether traditional or modern, is the ability to use andamento to emphasise the spirit of the mosaic. I will show you how to use a hammer and hardie to cut large pieces of stone and pebbles. In addition we will dive into color theory by talking about gradients, that is, going from one color to another with almost imperceptible transitions, gradient is the opposite of contrast. Finally, we will use lime mortar to complete the work.
The cost is $550 prepaid to reserve your place in class
$85 materials fee paid at beginning of workshop includes materials and the use of tools; hammer and hardie. In this workshop you can also choose to use wheeled nippers if you feel more comfortable. To sign up contact me here