Is mosaic art easy to do?

Question

I want to learn how to do my own mosaic art. Is it easy and do you know of a good web site i can learn from.

Answer 1

yes, it is easy.. consider looking at your local community college for continuing education classes in this field.. it's better learned in a class environment.

Answer 2

It depends on if you want that crafty mosaic style art or a more detailed, historical style. Hobby Lobby sells some great mosaic starter kits and supplies, which is what you should practice with first before going all out.

Answer 3

It depends! If it is a one inch square sampler, I suppose so! But if it means the art works of Ravenna or the mosaics in the mansions of Pompeiii,then I suppose you would need a lot of slaves!

Answer 4

I'm with Andrew...it's easy, once you know the right materials, and get comfy with it. I've done a few pieces using the indirect and direct methods...great results. It's basically a "make your own" jigsaw puzzle.
I just wanted to mention that there's a pretty good resource for instructional dvd's and supplies... see below.

Answer 5

Mosaics are fun and easy...here take a look at this link for some helpful hints and ideas.

A. BYZANTINE TECHNIQUE

B. DIRECT TECHNIQUE

C. INDIRECT TECHNIQUE

A. BYZANTINE TECHNIQUE
1) Cut a piece of wood approximately 3cm bigger of the size of the mosaic you want to create.
2) Cut 4 battens and screw them at the edge of the wood . Apply and fill with clay (black). At the end wet the clay with water .
3) Sketch out the design you like on a piece of 'paper' P.V.C. and put it on the clay.
4) Starting from the top left edge, cut the paper into small pieces, put in the clay, the marbles, stones, glasses, tesserae and lay the mosaic .
5) Once the area is complete and you have made any last-minute revisions to the design, cut a piece of strong yet thin cloth. Brush the surface of the mosaic with a wall paper paste and lay the cloth over it . Leave to dry for 1-2 days .
6) Remove all the screws and battens and turn the 'mosaic' carefully . Divide and cut the'dry clay' into small squares and carefully ,clean off any remaining clay . The gaps between the pieces must be clean .
7) Make frame (wooden or metalic ) and place a piece of chicken wire into 8) Mix equal parts of cement and fine sand and add water until the consistency is drysh
9) Pour the cement into the frame and fill it .
10)Using both hands lower the cloth (mosaic ) into the cement , tap from the sides to dislodge any trapped air bubbles . After 10-20 minutes dampen the cloth with water and gently remove it back to reveal the mosaic surface .Wet again and wipe off the stray cement with wet cloth or sponge .
11)Leave for 1-1.30 hours .Then wet again and leave to dry for 3-4 days 'watering' from time to time.
12)Polish with a clean lint-free cloth.


2. DIRECT TECHNIQUE
Into prepared ground
1) Make a frame of wood or metal
2) Full it with grout (equal part of dry cement and sand with water ) up to the top .
3) Put ,quickly the pieces ,pebbles e.t.c in according yorr pattern . You must complete your work in 3-4 hours otherwise the ground will be useless.
4) Once the mosaic is completed, clean the surface from the stray cement and wipe off the excess.
5) Leave to dry and wet again from time to time for the next 2 days or cover it with wet towel .

On wooden base
1)On a piece of wood (fibreboard or plyboard) draw a design (with details).
2) "Butter" the backs of the pieces with P.V.A. adhensive and stick them down, 0,5 cm from the end, leaving small gaps between the pieces for grouting.
3) Make the frame (by professional)
4) Mix equal quantity of dry cement with fine sand, add water gradually and make a consistency like soft butter.
5) Fill the gaps and wipe to remove the excess.
6) Leave for 30 minutes and clean again.
7) Leave to dry for 24 hours and then polish .


C. INDIRECT TECHNIQUE
1) Skretch a piece of brown paper (soaking) over a piece of wood (fibreboard or plyboard).
2) Draw your design (with details) on the paper .
3) Stick the pieces (stones, tesserae ,marbles e.t.c.) face down .Use gum arabic or wallpaper paste.
4) Make a frame of wood or metal and place it around the edge of the mosaic surface.
5) Mix equal quantity of dry cement and sand, add water until the mixture has a butter consistency .
6) Trowel a dollop of grout on to the pieces and spread it across to cover the 'stones'.
7) Mix equal part cement with aggregate and sand to a dryish consistency.
8) Shovel the cement over the grout up to the top of the frame .Wecan put a piece of chichen wire in .Tap the board to disloge air bubbles.
9) Cover with plastic and then place a piece of wood on.
10) Turn it ,wet the paper and after some minutes 'pell' it carefully.
11) Clean with cloth or sponge and wet again from time to time for at least 3 days or cover it with wet towel .


http://www.greekmosaics.com/Techniques.htm