Tag Archives: Outdoor Mosaics

The Commission – Getting Started

Posted on April 5, 2015 | 2 comments
My stepping stone

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

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

Tiles on mesh and paper

Sorted and Drying

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Commissions, Mosaic Art, Outdoor Mosaics

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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

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

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

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

Gone Fishing

 COMING SOON: The other parts of the Hat-Trick

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Posted in BAMM, Commissions, Mosaic Art, Outdoor Mosaics

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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.

P10407951. 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.

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Posted in Galleries and Events, Mosaic Art, Outdoor Mosaics

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A Slow Mosaic Start to 2015

Posted on January 22, 2015 | 2 comments

 

IMG_0763Like 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.

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.

P1040795My 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.

 

 

 

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Mosaic Inspiration – Sea, Sand and Countryside

Posted on September 29, 2014 | 2 comments
Rosanna

Rosanna by the Beach

Many of you will know that I visit Northumberland on a regular basis. When I am up there I do a lot of beach and cliff walking and I try to get out into the Northumbrian countryside. It is very much ‘big scenery’ up there, large scale vistas and quite dramatic. The beaches are lovely and stretch for miles with lots of sand dunes.  A total contrast to London life.

By the Sea

By the Sea Tryptic

I often get inspiration for mosaics up there based on the sea, sand and countryside. These mosaics tend to be more suited to the ceramic matt tiles with their lovely muted colours. I often incorporate sand and pebbles into these pieces. A flash of stained glass can give the effect of the sun glinting off the sea, or a field in the distance full of burgundy heather. The odd glass tesserae tile will be much more effective when used sparingly, less is definitely more.

 

These pieces tend to be quite abstract and dramatic and have proved to be very popular.  With this in mind I have decided to create a new range of mosaics based on my northern visits. I am calling it ‘The Beach House’ range and have given it a new logo.

Let me know what you think of it.

 

Rosanna Henderson Mosaic artist Rosanna at the Beach House

 

 

 

 

 

REQUEST:  Have a look at my MYSTERY PAGE and see if you can figure it out , those who know, don’t give the game away!

 

 

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Posted in Mosaic Art, Mosaic Inspiration, Rosanna Mosaic Artist

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Mosaic Community Project – The Log Cabin

Posted on August 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

I have always done a lot of pro-bono work when I worked professionally and a lot of volunteering in my local community. It therefore seemed natural when I started doing something creative, to offer my skills in that area.

LC LogoIn June 2013 I met with Vivien Dymock and Sharon Flynn at the Log Cabin, a children’s charity in West London. After they saw examples of my work and then getting agreement from the Trustees, we agreed I would take on a voluntary project: to design and create a range of mosaics that would go in their sensory garden.

3aMy aim was to make 8 large cut out mosaics and I thought this would probably be a 9 month project. The Ealing Gazette did an article launching the project and I asked for supplies to be donated: wood, mosaic tiles, adhesives and grouts. Small businesses and friends started to donate supplies and money and by August I had enough materials to start the project and make the first piece – a butterfly.

LC Tree 2aWorking with the children on a weekly basis, we ended up making 11 mosaics including another butterfly, a dragonfly, bird, lizard sunshine face, glitter stepping stones as well as 2 seven foot high trees.!

Welcome Sign - Dan and Kalpina

This became a strong community project with different people involved including the children and young people, staff, local business and volunteers. With regular coverage from Ealing Gazette and Ealing Today, word of mouth and ‘friendly persuasion’ 95% of mosaic materials were donated by small business as well as monetary and time donations from friends.

P1030904I made another large mosaic called ‘Hollyhocks’ which was raffled at £1 per ticket and raised £1,250 which will be spent on art materials for the children.

In addition, a group of gardening friends – Nita, Gill and Krys – volunteered to design and create sensory garden beds. Soil and plants were purchased with a very generous discount. After a year of planning, digging and planting during rain, snow and drought,  there are now 3 beautiful and vibrant sensory beds which enhance the playground area and the mosaics.

P1040438On August 6th we put up a plaque to mark the completion of the project: 2 years on – 11 mosaics, 3 sensory garden beds, £1250 from raffled mosaic, lots of hard work and help, plus loads of fun- later!

Thank you Log Cabin for letting me be involved in such a great project.

Vivien and Kalpina with Log Cabin Spring Tree

Vivien and Kalpina with Log Cabin Spring Tree

Steve Pound MP with Rosanna and Log Cabin Autumn Tree

Steve Pound MP with Rosanna and
Log Cabin Autumn Tree

 

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Posted in Mosaic Art, Outdoor Mosaics, Rosanna Mosaic Artist

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