Category Archives: Mosaic Art

The Commission – Getting Started

Posted on April 5, 2015 | 2 comments

My stepping stone

A HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL

As I have such a lovely commission to work on, I thought it might be interesting to share the process with you. So many people ask me how do I get started, what preparation is required, what materials do I use – so here goes, a beginners guide to getting started.

My Client and I discussed various ideas initially and soon agreed on a design that we both liked and thought would look stunning in the allocated outdoor space. It is based on a piece I have as a stepping stone in my garden, but on a much larger scale. We both like the same strong bold colours, it has to look colourful but nothing too garish, a bit of sparkle but not bling. Time to go shopping!

Alan getting all the Angles

As it is to go outdoors I have decided to use Hardie Bakker Board which is a composite material, similar to MDF but for outside use and is weatherproof. It is going to be a very geometric pattern, so Alan is called upon to use his mathematical skills and compass to ensure all the angles are correct and in proportion.

You can use all sorts of materials to mosaic with including bathroom tiles, crockery etc. but for most of my work I use proper mosaic tiles, called ‘tesserae’. You buy them from specialist suppliers on small sheets either on mesh or brown paper. The first stage is to get the tiles off the backing, usually by soaking, then you need to wash them to remove the glue and dry them. I then put them into containers for easy access and I am ready to start.

Tiles on mesh and paper

Sorted and Drying

As the piece is too large for my studio, the dining room has been purloined. I have now started to play with placing the tiles to get an overall impression of colour matches and combinations. Once I get going I will give another update.

Ready for action

REQUEST: Do let me know what you think of this Blog and if you have any mosaic questions, it is always nice to get your feedback.

COMING SOON: Update on the Newcastle Gallery and Richmond Open Studios

2 Comments

Posted in Commissions, Mosaic Art, Outdoor Mosaics

Tagged how to mosaic, Mosaic Art, mosaic inspiration, Outdoor Mosaics

Hat-Trick – Open Studios

Posted on March 29, 2015 | Leave a comment

The third part of the Hat-Trick was being accepted into this year’s ARThouse Richmond Open Studios event. Held over a 2 weekend period, this is a great opportunity to meet and talk to a large range of various artists as they display, demonstrate and sell their art at this annual event.

Evening Sunset Mosiac by Rosanna Henderson

My Profile Mosaic for ARThouse

ARThouse Richmond Open Studios 2015 will be the borough’s 20th open studios festival, coordinated by Richmond Arts Service. ARThouse is a celebration of the wealth of creative talent showcasing over 500 local artists who will welcome visitors over the festival weekends in June and July, exhibiting a wonderfully diverse range of artwork including painting and photography; stained glass and woodwork; sculpture and ceramics; to jewellery, bag design, furniture and upholstery……….and mosaics!!

‘Gone Fishing’ will be on display

ARThouse venues are spread across all corners of the borough of Richmond, Surrey with exhibitions in homes, studios, cafes, church halls, boathouses and even some of the borough’s most beautiful heritage buildings including Turners House and Garrick’s Temple.

‘Abstract in Grey’ will be on display

I am delighted to be part of this prestigious event for a 2^nd year. My mosaic art will be exhibited at the Harris + Hoole Coffee Shop in St. Margarets. I will be demonstrating on a couple of days so that will be the perfect time to come along, have some delicious Harris + Hoole coffee with a croissant, cake or snack and see how I make my mosaics.

REQUEST: Please spread the word about ARThouse to anyone you know who loves any form of art and would enjoy visiting this festival and meeting the artists.

COMING SOON: Pictures and progress on the commission.

Hat-Trick – The Commission

Posted on March 14, 2015 | Leave a comment

Things have been really busy in my mosaicing life and there are lots of exciting activities going on.

I was delighted to receive a commission from a new client. It is for a large outdoor piece to go into a recess in the wall of their lovely courtyard garden. Pictures of the space and garden were sent and telephone conversations have taken place. Its been great discussing ideas and colour schemes and over the course of several calls and emails, we have found we are very similar and are kindred spirits.

Dolphin

I do love having commissions although they are quite stressful as well. In effect you have to get inside the clients mind to visualise what they want. Some people are very clear and precise, while others leave it totally up to you.

This client had a few initial ideas that we discussed and I sketched up. They have developed and evolved and now we have a design agreed that we are all happy with and will suit the space and environment perfectly. It is quite a geometric design and will have bold, strong colours. I will use a range of glass tesserae along with quite a few iridescent tiles. I will be keeping a picture diary so the client can see all the different stages and processes involved. I can’t wait to start!

Door Numbers on Roof Tiles

The client found me through the BAMM website. BAMM is the representative body for mosaic makers and although I felt I ought to join them, I didn’t feel I was ready to until I went to their AGM late last year and signed up on the day. Funnily enough with Christmas and being unwell, I had not had a chance to get my profile onto the BAMM site until this February – about a week before my client starting looking for a mosaic artist! Timing is everything.

Carol’s Mirror

I have now got my profile on BAMM well underway and have put up my mosaic CV. I am amazed at how much I have done. Please do go and have a look. I am shown under ‘Artists’ as Henderson, Rosanna.

THE REQUEST: If you are interested in commissioning apiece of mosaic art (indoors or outside, large or small) please do give me a call and we can have an initial chat. All pictures on this blog are commissioned pieces.

Gone Fishing

COMING SOON: The other parts of the Hat-Trick

STOP PRESS – The Hat-Trick!

Posted on March 11, 2015 | 3 comments

Its been non stop over the last couple of weeks and I have some fantastic news! I have scored a hat-trick.

1. I have received a commission for a large outdoor mosaic from a lovely new client.

2. I have secured a place at ARTHouse – Richmond Open Studios in June / July.

3. I have had my work accepted by an Art Gallery in Northumberland.

More news on all of these to come soon.

3 Comments

Posted in Galleries and Events, Mosaic Art, Outdoor Mosaics

Tagged ARTHouse Richmond Open Studios, commission, Outdoor Mosaics

Mosaic Lessons

Posted on February 22, 2015 | Leave a comment

My First Mosaic

I first made a mosaic with my friend Julia one afternoon in her garden studio, it was a ‘play’ session and I had never done mosaic work before. I realised I liked it enough to go on a weekend beginners course with Ros Waites. It was with Ros that I leant to place, cut, stick etc. – the basics needed to get me started.It was then a case of practice, practice, practice – and it still is!

Later on I had a weekend course with Aimee Harman and I now do a weekly workshop with Kitty Harnall and I continue to practice, practice, practice.

Over the years a lot of people have shown an interest in my work and have asked if I could show them how to do it. Whilst I am still very much the new girl on the mosaic block, and in no way claim to be an expert, I am happy to show other people how to get started with the basic placing, cutting, sticking etc. Then you need to practice!

Those of you that know me, know that I am a great one for getting things organised so my ‘showing’ has now evolved into a basic one day mosaic workshop for beginners. It is a fun, busy, hands on day where people get to make a small mosaic that they take home with them. The emphasis is on the practical rather than the theory and I am able to show a wide range of different mosaic styles, materials, ideas etc.

I run these workshops on a request led basis for small groups or one-to-one. If you are interested, please contact me and I can send you some more info.

I am happy to tailor make something around your requirements.

REQUEST: Who do you know that may like a mosaic lesson? It could be a great idea for a present.

COMING SOON: 2015 looks like it is going to be a busy mosaic year for me, Details to come.

A Slow Mosaic Start to 2015

Posted on January 22, 2015 | 2 comments

Like nearly everyone I know, I have been hit by the nasty bugs that seem to have been going round for ages and refuse to budge. Starting before Christmas with a sore throat and loss of voice, it progressed into a really bad cough and resulting in very low energy levels. This means I have pretty much been out of action all of January.

However, I’m a great believer that good can come from everything. As I have been housebound I took the opportunity to have a bit of a tidy up and tackle my admin. I have sorted out all the photos on my computer including mosaic ones as far back as 2009. Its been really good fun looking back at them all and re-living those mosaic pieces. Its interesting to see how I have phases when I did a lot of outdoor pots or trivets and coasters. Then followed a period where it was all lizards and frogs on rocks for outdoors.

: Coasters

: Paperweight Stones

I find it interesting to see how my style has changed and developed over the years, especially as I discovered new materials or techniques to try.

My most recent pieces of mosaic art seem to be long panels with an abstract style incorporating a range of materials including stained glass. These mosaics are particularly suitable for commissions or to show in exhibitions or to display in a gallery.

Once I am fully recovered I aim to create a new range of mosaics, initially to sell in the shop but also as an outdoor range for people to commission. They will be based on a wildlife theme and I hope to show you a proto-type next time.

In the meantime, I hope you all remain germ free and are settling in to what I hope will be a great 2015 for us all.

COMING NEXT: Updates on the website.

2 Comments

Posted in Mosaic Art

Tagged Mosaic Art, My Mosaic Story, Outdoor Mosaics, Rosanna Mosaic Artist

Best Wishes for the Festive Season

Posted on December 19, 2014 | 4 comments

As Christmas draws nearer by the day it is time for me to publish my last ‘post’ of the year. I have really enjoyed being a new ‘Blogger’ and look forward to covering a whole range of subjects next year – all with a mosaic connection of course.

I would be interested to know what topics you have enjoyed reading about most and if there is anything you would like me to cover? I usually try to link things in with my mosaic work and I always try to have some mosaic pictures so you get an idea of my work and how it is evolving. My first Blog next year will be a review of 2014, which has been a great year overall and very successful mosaic wise.

In the meantime, let me wish you all a lovely Christmas and festive period, wherever you are and whoever you are with. May 2015 be healthy, happy, fun and successful for us all.

Rosanna xx

4 Comments

Posted in Mosaic Art, Rosanna Mosaic Artist

Tagged Mosaic Art, Rosanna Mosaic Artist

My Mosaic Story – Kitty’s Workshop

Posted on November 2, 2014 | 2 comments

Metal sculpture by Kitty Hartnell

So having got interested in making mosaics I started to buy supplies and materials and made various mosaics from projects suggested in books. However, I really wanted to join a group of other mosaic makers in order to learn more, get ideas, swop tips and techniques and be part of a group. I tried to see if there were any groups locally but most were ‘art groups’ that didn’t really fit the bill.

Mosaic Poppies by Kitty Hartnell

Now isn’t funny how, when you want something, it often materialises. Purely by chance, I went to a charity craft evening run by Kitty Hartnell, a metal and mosaic maker. After chatting for a while Kitty told me she runs a weekly workshop, for people of all levels interested in making mosaics, and invited me along to a session.

Since becoming a regular at Kitty’s weekly mosaic workshops, I know my technique, style and confidence have improved greatly. Kitty does not give lessons as such – we are all at different stages and make what we want. However, she provides constant advice and guidance and will teach a skill or technique as requested. She is brilliant on colour and texture and always seems to find that ‘special’ tile that really makes the mosaic come alive.

the ‘fence’ !

I am not artistically trained so Kitty – in her gentle, understated way – has really helped my work to progress – I have learnt so much about scale, formation, structure, colour and materials. She has really helped me with my artistic ‘eye’ especially on perspective, scale and structure. The first time I made a mosaic based on a photo, I spent 3 hours putting in a ‘fence’ and 10 minutes de-glueing it, so at the end of the session I had an empty board! The following week Kitty helped me with the perspective and now people always comment on how good that fence is and how it makes the piece so realistic.

Mosaic by Kitty Hartnell

Kitty won’t accept the phrase ‘that will do’. So even when I make mosaics at home I can hear her words in my ear, sometimes annoyingly, so if a piece is wrong, I can’t ignore it – it won’t do!

Have a look at her website to see the beautiful mosaic and metalwork pieces that Kitty makes.

2 Comments

Posted in Mosaic Art, Mosaic Inspiration

Tagged Kitty Hartnell, mosaic inspiration, My Mosaic Story

British Association for Modern Mosaic

Posted on October 26, 2014 | 3 comments

For mosaic makers our ‘representative body’ is BAMM – British Association for Modern Mosaic. It was founded in 1999 and exists to promote, encourage and support excellence in contemporary mosaic art.

Yesturday I went to their AGM and Forum at Kings College on the South Bank, London. Leaving the house at 7am I was in central London bright and extremely early, grabbing a coffee and croissant at Prets before registration.

Although at bit apprehensive as I had not been before, everyone was very welcoming, friendly and helpful. I met a couple of people I know, Sue and Kitty, and also met some new people, Sally, Karen and Viv – newcomers like myself.

It was a fantastic day, very inspiring and informative with some amazing speakers. Among them were Luciana Notturni from Italy who founded the Mosaic Art School in Ravenna which is recognised as a centre of mosaic excellence. Norma Vondee (President of BAMM) talked about creativity and expression showing some lovely examples of her work.

Laurel True was over from New Orleans to talk about her ‘Global Mosaic Project’. A truly inspirational and enthusiastic speaker who has done an amazing range of community mosaics over a 25 year period including working with people in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina and in Haiti after the earthquakes. Through her projects she has worked with hundreds of people and helped to provide job training and arts education to underserved communities in urban environments and developing areas. Her range of work and projects was amazing and very humbling. Having dipped my toe into community projects when I worked with The Log Cabin, it made me keen to get involved in more so if anyone out there wants to talk about a project, do send me an email and we can talk.

The last speaker was Karen Ami who founded and is the Executive Director of the Chicago Mosaic School, the first school for mosaic arts in the Americas. A very enthusiastic and lively speaker, her subject was ‘Practice and Process in the Mosaic Studio’ which we could all identify with. As well as giving us all great tips, ideas and encouragement, it made me realise how lucky I am to have a dedicated work space to make my mosaics.

The ‘full on’ day wound up with a raffle, awards for ‘best mosaic’ and best ‘mega mosaic’. There was a ‘market place’ where I made some modest purchases and a ‘Working Wall’ where people could showcase their work. By the end of the day myself and my new found mosaic friends felt like part of the BAMM Family. I signed up as a ‘Professional Member’ before I came away because having had such a great day, I definitely want to be part of this inspiring, and supportive group.

3 Comments

Posted in Galleries and Events, Mosaic Art

Tagged BAMM, Mosaic Art, Mosaic Makers

Mosaic Inspiration – The Martin Cheek Challenge

Posted on October 12, 2014 | 3 comments

When I first starting mosaicing I found it very hard to get inspiration and ideas. I remember I was exhibiting at a Gallery in Runnymede and my friend Sue asked where I got my inspiration from and I didn’t really have an answer. I then started to think more seriously about the question and I can now answer Sue ‘mainly from nature – the pattern and colour of leaves and trees, reflections on the sea, patterns on the sand, landscapes and fields’. I am also inspired a lot by other art forms and am heavily influenced by strong colours in everyday life.

I feel I am now at the stage where I can make a competent mosaic piece but would like to hone and fine tune my skills much more. When I take a photo of a landscape or scene, I find it hard to translate that into a mosaic. I can see a range of colours but am not sure how to make a visual mosaic from them. I have now bought Martin Cheek’s book “Fused Glass Mosaics: Master Class Techniques with Martin Cheek” which I hope will help me to progress to a better level of work. Martin explains that it is just right for people at my stage of the mosaic process. Each chapter explains an aspect of mosaicing and then sets you a challenge.

Challenge No.1. was to think about where you get your inspiration – (which in itself was challenging) – hence my above answer to Sue!

Challenge No. 2. was to take a picture from a favourite artist and make your own style and version but using their principles. I picked the work of Rebecca Vincent (see earlier Blog and her picture left) as I love her blocks of colours and effects.

Below is the result. Although it is a very simple piece, it took me more time than any previous mosaic to get perspective, style and colouring right. This is probably the first time I have seriously considered the piece I am working on and planned it properly rather than just starting and plughing on with it.

What do you think. I am now using this ‘block colour’ effect in other pieces and really like the results.

I feel I have learnt a lot already and look forward to tackling the other challenges.

Mosaic Fields

REQUEST: I would love to hear from anyone else that has taken or is taking Martin’s Challenge and hear how they found it.

COMING SOON: A key influence on my mosaic work – Kitty.

3 Comments

Posted in Mosaic Art, Mosaic Inspiration

Tagged Martin Cheek Mosaics, mosaic inspiration, Rosanna Mosaic Artist

Category Archives: Mosaic Art

The Commission – Getting Started

Hat-Trick – Open Studios

Hat-Trick – The Commission

STOP PRESS – The Hat-Trick!

Mosaic Lessons

A Slow Mosaic Start to 2015

Best Wishes for the Festive Season

My Mosaic Story – Kitty’s Workshop

British Association for Modern Mosaic

Mosaic Inspiration – The Martin Cheek Challenge

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