Tag Archives: Mosaic Commission

EALING ART TRAIL – In 3 Weeks Time

BEATING the drum

The BEAT Ealing Art Trail event is gathering momentum and is taking place in 3 weeks time.

BEAT – Borough of Ealing Art Trail, is taking place over 2 weekends in September 6th – 8th and 13th – 15th.  I am delighted to be taking part for the third time this year. I will be at   VENUE 75  in the Brochure..

25,000 brochures have been distributed far and wide, and we are also keen to get them out and about in other London Boroughs.  Its a lovely pocket size A6 full colour brochure that shows all the artists with an individual profile, information on opening times, maps and anything else you may need to know about the event. If you want a brochure or if you can take a batch to your work place, school, community group, sports team etc. just give me a shout. The more we get out the better. We have 200 artists displaying their artwork in 80 locations so there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy.

There is also a great website that has all the above info for visitors and you can download a brochure. Have a look and start planning your route, make sure that you include Venue 75 please! www.ealingbeat.org.uk

I have a new selection of mosaics to show this year along with my new range of coasters. Various pieces will be for sale, you can commission a piece of mosaic art or put your name down for a Beginners’ Mosaic Lesson.

I will also have a new “exhibition piece” on display which always prompts lots of questions on what materials and techniques I use. Part of the fun of BEAT is the visitors can talk to the artists about their work and see the environment they work in. I really enjoy that part as well as I love chatting about mosaics to anyone and everyone!

So put the date in your diary and come along and have a great few days out in our lovely Borough of Ealing, viewing some great artwork.

Kingfisher Commission

I recently got a phone call from my sister’s sister-in-law. She wanted to commission me to make a piece for her daughter-in-law’s mother’s special birthday (phew).

The initial phone call was quite straight forward “Can I commission you to make a mosaic” – “yes of course, what would you like” – “something for Pam’s birthday, she likes bright colours”.  It was at that stage that I suggested we have another call later on so we could discuss various things that needed to be considered and agreed.

Getting the idea for the commission from a client is usually quite simple as the person either knows exactly what they want or they have some idea (a Bird….. maybe a Parakeet…… definitely a Kingfisher).  However, there are always lots of other factors to take into account e.g.

  • Budget
  • What style will it be – picture, abstract, contemporary, traditional
  • Colours
  • Effect: matt, glass, shiny, full bling effect or a combination of all
  • Size
  • Inside or outdoors
  • Frame or not
  • If outdoors will it hang or screw to the wall/trellis, be set into brickwork
  • Timescale

All the above are key to establish in order for me to use the correct type of backing board and glues. Once I know the answers to all of the above I can give a price.

Now we can start on the piece. Although a lot of my work is ‘freestyle,’ for a commission I will sketch it out roughly (as I have very basic drawing skills).  The client sometimes wants to see the sketch and will make changes, suggestions or may totally change their mind (grrr!). Once we discussed ideas for her design, Jean did let me have a totally free reign – which, to be honest I prefer then I can tweak or change as I go along and the piece takes shape.

Once the piece was made I delivered it in person and Jean saw her commission for the first time.  Happily there was a good ‘wow’ factor and I know she was pleased with the piece.

I have since heard that Pam was delighted as well so another successful commission.

 

 

 

The Marple Mosaic – Happy Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the MARPLE MOSAIC – 2 years old. I thought I would show you the original blog I published about the piece.  Since then we have remained in regular contact with Hilary and Pauline with Skype calls and visits. I have developed a talk on the mosaic entitled ‘From Inspiration to Installation‘ and I have had an article about the mosaic published in the BAMM magazine ‘Grout‘. The Marple Mosaic continues to receive visitors and praise.

It all started back in February 2015 when I got an email from Hilary and Pauline asking if I would be interested in being commissioned to make a large outdoor mosaic to go into an inset in their walled, courtyard garden.  We then talked on the phone and got on so well that I instantly agreed even though we were not sure what the piece was going to be. Over the next couple of weeks ideas and sketches were discussed and emailed and we very quickly agreed on a piece that we all liked. I could then go shopping for supplies!P1040916

Once I started work we began to Skype so they could see the progress, although I tried to only show snippets rather than  the overall piece, to keep them guessing!  I have kept a pictorial diary of the whole process for them. We have become firm friends during the process and found we are all straight talkers, have similar interests and enjoy a good laugh.

P1040930sOnce it was ready, Alan and I were happy to deliver it and take the opportunity to have a few days in Buxton en route which coincided with our wedding anniversary (Alan honestly said he didn’t mind). On arrival we had a grand unveiling with a bottle of champagne to ‘toast’ the new addition! The WOW factor was incredible and obviously very rewarding for me as I really enjoyed making the mosaic and was delighted they were so happy with it.

Hilary and Pauline had the mosaic installed the next day and we had a trip over to see it in situ and get some photos before we came back to London. I love making commissions and although they can be a bit stressful and worrying, it is all worthwhile when you get the reward of seeing the reaction and praise that shows how happy Hilary and Pauline are with their piece of mosaic art.

P1050254

Summer Mosaic Update

July and August are such strange months, the roads are deserted but tube trains, museums and London parks are full to bursting with families and tourists enjoying the summer holidays.  The mosaic world takes a  holiday as well and I have managed to get away myself as it has been very quiet on the mosaic front. I have also taken the chance to have a sort out and tidy my studios ready for the autumn rush – she says hopefully!

P1060130I made this butterfly during summer for my sister’s newly born great niece. I had made her  big sister a pink elephant when she was born 3 years ago so it seemed fair that another mosaic was in order.  I have used quite a few ‘glitter’ tiles so it should really sparkle on her bedroom wall.

Vivien & Kalpina - Log Cabin Spring Tree

Log Cabin Spring Tree

Following on from the fantastic response and reception we got from O’Grady Court on the OPEN Ealing mosaic project, I have volunteered to make them a mosaic to go onto another wall in their lovely rooftop garden. The last voluntary project I did was at the Log Cabin, a children’s charity, so I am more than happy to make a piece for the residents at this lovely sheltered housing organisation. I have had the initial meeting with them and we talked through ideas, where it would be placed etc. After lots of discussion we came up with the final choice of mosaic so it is now up to me to get sketching and decide on the size, colours etc.  Hopefully I shall have some progress pictures for you soon.

I have just received a new commission for 2 stepping stones. I have made several stepping stones in the past, notably my sundials and the ammonite. They are great fun to do and lend themselves well to the mosaic medium. As they are so durable and robust they are ideal for a garden, flowerbed  or patio.  This client has asked if I am able to do 2 horoscope star signs – I think that is a brilliant idea and I am a bit disappointed I hadn’t thought of that idea before myself!  Obviously I said ‘yes’ so I am now looking at sizes, colours, designs etc. 

So after the lull of summer comes the storm of new projects – I am looking forward to getting back to work and mosaicing again. 

LONDON ACTIVITY: So many of my Blogging Followers have been asking me how I am getting on with the CAPITAL RING walk so here is progress to date:  WalkingWe have now completed 7 stages of the Capital Ring and have crossed the river to north London.  Combining stages 4 & 5 took us from Crystal Palace to Wimbledon Park via Streatham, Tooting and Wandsworth Commons.  Stage 6 was probably one of our favourite routes starting at Wimbledon Park with its massive boating lake and overlooking the City skyline, passing the famous windmill on Wimbledon Common, lovely walking over Putney Heath which took us up into Richmond Park.  Now we felt we were on ‘home territory’ but as we went through Richmond Park we crossed through lovely parts that we didn’t know existed. When we walked down past Pembroke Lodge, through Petersham Meadows and to completion at the river by Richmond Bridge, it was great to be able to hop on a bus to get home. Stage 7 was definately our local patch and the walk took us on a familiar route that we have cycled or walked many, many times. The end of the route was literally ’round the corner’ to home!  

We are sure that the Capital Ring route used to come past the bottom of our road so I am wondering if anyone out there has a copy of the Capital Ring book pre the re-print in 2014. If you have, please do get in touch and let me know the old route.

 

 

 

Rosanna’s Mosaics – by Commisssion

When I meet people and they learn I make mosaics they often ask ‘Do you take commissions’. The answer to this question is a resounding YES.

Fishing Boat

Fishing Boat

I have made several commissions over the years. Some large, some small, indoors and for outside. I have made company logos, door numbers, pieces for new borns, wedding presents. Panels to go into bathrooms, kitchens and pieces that have gone into gardens as well as several pieces that have gone abroad.

I really enjoy taking on an exciting, new piece of work. Liaising closely with my clients, I design and create both practical and decorative items to match their own style, colour scheme and personality. I always make sure I spend enough time with the client discussing their exact requirements, purpose of the piece and any special  or quirky requests they may have. I can usually fit into their budgetary requirements as I try to keep my prices at a realistic level so anyone can afford an original piece of mosaic art.

P1050571

Sun and Moon

If you are thinking of revamping your kitchen or bathroom and want something a bit different, a specially commissioned splash back or inset panel could be just the thing to give it your personal stamp. Or how about a mirror or wall hanging in a newly decorated room?

When you commission me you can be sure that you are buying a unique, original piece of mosaic art. Each piece is individual and all my own work. I do not mass produce and no one helps me at any stage with the mosaic.

Here are some nice stories about 2 previous commissions:

The Barbados Turtle Project and Quentin The Lizard.

Here are some examples of previous commissions.

If you are interested, or know of someone who might be keen on commissioning a piece of work, please feel free to give me a call on 07961 134 033 so we can have an initial chat, there is no obligation and I am always happy to chat to people who want more info on my work.

 

 

 

 

 

Highlights from 2015

Best wishes and a huge ‘Thank You‘  to all my ‘Blog Followers‘ for 2016.  I hope the year is healthy, happy, fun and successful for us all.

2015 was another very successful year for me both mosaic-wise and personally.  Here are some of the mosaic highlights:

 

British Assoc. Mosaic Makers

British Assoc. Mosaic Makers

Uploaded my work onto the BAMM website (British Association for Modern Mosaics) having joined at their AGM the previous October.

Approached to make a large outdoor commission from a client who found me on BAMM website  – a week after I uploaded my work  What timing!

Got my work accepted in the prestigious ‘North East Art Collective Gallery‘ in Newcastle. 12 rooms of art, 150 artists – I am in great company.

Invited to join ‘Wonder Street‘ an invite-only platform where designers and artists showcase and sell their work.

 

Ivy Mirror

Ivy Mirror

Richmond Open Studios – exhibited in Harris & Hoole Coffee Shop in St. Margarets after meeting the lovely Steph.

Had some Coaching with Monica of Live a Life You Love and re-assessed where I want to go with my mosaics – definatley up a few notches

Left All Original after 2 years 3 months – the last piece I sold in the shop went to Greece

Harris & Hoole invited me to continue displaying my work – a fantastic platform for me in a lovely part of Twickenham

 

French Cross

French Cross

Was approached to make a ‘French Cross’ commission for a piece that will be going to live in France. The client saw a mosaic commissioned by their neighbours a few years ago

Finished and delivered The Marple Mosaic

Got my special birthday shed that will be used as a studio

Been making mosaics for 8 years

Met Lesley and displayed my work in her new South Street Gallery in Isleworth, West London

The Marple Collection Exhibition at South Street Gallery

My Meadow House Butterfly

My Meadow House Butterfly

Christmas event at Harris & Hoole

With Kitty and her ‘team’ help make 15 mosaic butterflies for Meadow House Hospice in Ealing

450 Facebook Followers

 

Rosanna’s Mosaics – International!

Quentin1

Quentin the Lizard

The first proper commission I ever made was Quentin the Lizard that went to live in France with Nicol and John. I received an email earlier this year from their neighbours, Louise and Marucs, who had always admired Quentin and asked if I could make them an outdoor mosaic.

They wanted a large cross to go on their outside wall which gets lashed with rain in winter and then baked in the sun during summer. I knew this meant I couldn’t use my usual outdoor plywood as the wood was likely to warp so I was on a quest to find an alternative material. Fellow mosaic artist Sue Edkins suggested Hardie Bakker Board which is a very tough, composite substance, that is often used to line shower and wet rooms. This seemed the perfect material for this project.

French Cross close up

French Cross

Louise and Marcus came round and we discussed the style and effect they wanted to achieve for their cross. We settled on a subtle colour palette of muted shades including tans and moss greens. I used ceramic matt tiles with a few glass tesserae to lift it and add shine. They also said they wanted the Vendee symbol included in the piece as this was the ‘symbol’ for the region of France where the cross was going to go – a bit like our Yorkshire & Lancashire roses. I have always been a bit wary of ‘writing’ or putting symbols into mosaics as it is quite fiddly and if not done well, can look a bit sloppy. However, they were very keen and the client is always right so I took up the challenge! By setting the Vendee in a clear area, it seemed to work quite well and I am pleased with the results.  Whew, another challenge under the belt!

!cid_54AD668C-7EAF-4C0D-A3BA-353C839128ED

Vendee symbol

It was a lovely piece to make and very different from the recent Marple Mosaic commission. I think I have made a pretty good job with the Vendee and when Louise and Marcus came to collect the piece, they were delighted. It is now in situ and here are some photos of it in it’s new French home.

 

I now have 2 mosaic pieces living in France, a growing number of mosaic lizards living all over the world and I have given mosaic lessons to people that now live in Mexico and New Zealand.  I think I can claim the title and now say that I am Rosanna’s Mosaics International!

REQUEST: If you enjoyed reading this Blog, please pass a link on to others who may also enjoy reading it.

COMING SOON: Mosaic art for sale

The Commission Has Landed!

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The Commission

I am delighted to report that the commission piece I have been working on for the last 5 months has finally been delivered, installed and is living happily with its new owners in Cheshire. It would be an understatement to say they like it – they ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!

It all started back in February when I got an email from Hilary and Pauline asking if I would be interested in being commissioned to make a large outdoor mosaic to go into an inset in their walled, courtyard garden.  We then talked on the phone and got on so well that I instantly agreed even though we were not sure what the piece was going to be. Over the next couple of weeks ideas and sketches were discussed and emailed and we very quickly agreed on a piece that we all liked. I could then go shopping for supplies!P1040916

Once I started work we began to Skype so they could see the progress, although I tried to only show snippets rather than  the overall piece, to keep them guessing!  I have kept a pictorial diary of the whole process for them. We have become firm friends during the process and found we are all straight talkers, have similar interests and enjoy a good laugh.

P1040930sOnce it was ready, Alan and I were happy to deliver it and take the opportunity to have a few days in Buxton en route which coincided with our wedding anniversary (Alan honestly said he didn’t mind). On arrival we had a grand unveiling with a bottle of champagne to ‘toast’ the new addition! The WOW factor was incredible and obviously very rewarding for me as I really enjoyed making the mosaic and was delighted they were so happy with it.

Hilary and Pauline had the mosaic installed the next day and we had a trip over to see it in situ and get some photos before we came back to London. I love making commissions and although they can be a bit stressful and worrying, it is all worthwhile when you get the reward of seeing the reaction and praise that shows how happy Hilary and Pauline are with their piece of mosaic art.

P1050254

Hilary, Rosanna & Pauline with the mosaic in place.

It was certainly an anniversary we will never forget and we have some lovely new friends in the processes.

REQUEST: Let me know what you think of the mosaic, I love to hear your feedback.

COMING SOON: Arts and Crafts in Buxton