Border Art
Glass Mosaic Tile Art: Andamento (huh? What’s That?)
Making wonderful glass mosaic tile art is easy! Let me show you how.
Andamento (Italian for “flow”) is the visual movement of your mosaic created by placing tesserae in specific patterns to achieve the desired image (a.k.a. “coursing” your tesserae).
Opus (Latin for “work of art or literary work”) is any work in any creative field, such as literature, architecture, music, and fine art. In our world of mosaic art, opus refers to how we arrange our tesserae. Different opera (the plural of opus) result in different flows. Understanding the various opera allows you to properly plan your work to ensure you achieve the desired look.
The following opera terms are based on Latin. Few people I know, including me, remember two minutes after rading about them what each term means. It doesn’t matter what you call each style. For example, instead of saying “Opus Regulatum,” you can call it “squares aligned like a brick wall.” The point is to be aware of the types of opera, then plan which types give the results you want, and then create your masterpiece accordingly.
This articles merely describes the basic andamento types; whereas, the eBook provides visual examples. Don’t get hung up on the names; simply be aware of the various styles and how your eyes react to each. Plan your work to give the desired flow and effect. I won’t try to describe in art-speak the effect that the eyes see in each opus because your eyes may interpret something completely different than mine. Besides, I never understand so called connoisseurs when they use words like energy, strong, sharp, dynamic movement, and dynamic power to describe a particular opus. I remember a pretentious guy who once told me, “Your lines are crisp and intense, and give the piece a provocative personality.” I confidently responded, “That’s exactly what I was going for,” although I had no idea what he was talking about. I felt I had to acknowledge what sounded like a compliment by pretending to understand his art-speak.
Surf the Internet for mosaic artists, study their work, and note the flow of their tesserae. Pay attention to how each type of flow makes you feel. Associate the flows with the feelings they stimulate in you. Then, plan your own work using the flows for the feelings you hope to evoke in others. Try mixing several types of opera into your work. For example, try using Opus Regulatum for the border, Opus Palladianum for the background, and Opus Sectile for the focal point.
Opus Tesselatum is a square or rectangle pattern with grout lines aligned, such as a checkerboard.
Opus Regulatum is also a square or rectangle pattern but with grout lines staggered like a brick wall. I sometimes use a variation of this opus as a background by enhancing the effect using light tesserae in the center and gradually darkening the tone to the border.
You’ll find inconsistencies with the definitions of tesselatum and regulatum in that some believe they’re reversed. Those who believe as I do have sound justification. For example, the Latin “tessella” means “small square piece of stone.” The Latin “tessellatim” means “in a checkered or tessellated form.” The modern “tessellate” means “arrange in a checkered pattern.” Therefore, I’m comfortable being in the group that defines the two terms as noted above. However, there’s another discrepancy, which is with the spelling of “tesselatum.” Does it have one “l” or two? I use one “l” to stay consistent with the other “…latum” opera described below. Again, it doesn’t matter what you call them or how you spell them as long as you understand that the two styles exist and they each can arouse different feelings when used in mosaics.
Opus Reticulatum is similar to opus regulatum or tesselatum but with slanted lines.
Opus Sectile is either a piece of tessera cut to one specific shape or several tesserae of varying sizes cut to shapes that fit together like puzzle pieces.
Opus Vermiculatum is typically a single row of tesserae following the outline of a focal point or main feature of the mosaic. Some artists use several rows to create the halo effect and add emphasis to the focal point. The background is usually done with a contrasting opus, such as opus regulatum. “Vermis” is Latin for worm, so think of opus vermiculatum as a worm surrounding your focal point.
Opus Musivum is opus vermiculatum extended out to fill the background, either all the way to the borders or to secondary focal points.
Opus Classicum combines opus vermiculatum with opus regulatum or opus tesselatum.
Opus Palladianum uses similar shapes laid in an irregular pattern. In my opinion, triangle like shapes with relatively equal grout spacing works best for this opus.
Opus Circumtactum uses interlocking fan like patterns for the background.
Remember, the eBook gives visual examples of each type of andamento described above, making it so much easier to understand its associated flow.
Making mosaic art is easy. You can do it. Yes, you can! Let me show you how.
About the Author
Bill Enslen has created beautiful mosaic art for 30 years. His new eBook, Mosaic Pieces: Essentials for Beginner and Professional Mosaic Artists, gives you step-by-step details for creating your own mosaic masterpieces. Visit his website and read the free sample chapters at Glass Mosaic Tile Art. Let him show you just how easy it is. With Bill’s help, you can do it. Yes, you can!
|
|
3D nail seal decal sticker nail art – Lace border black $0.30 |
|
|
Charted Alphabets/Borders, #57, Graphique Needle Arts (PB) $0.89 |
|
|
Green Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er282 $0.99 |
|
|
Yellow Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er283 $0.99 |
|
|
Black Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er284 $0.99 |
|
|
1pair Blue Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er285 $0.99 |
|
|
1pair Red Border waterdrop Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er287 $0.99 |
|
|
1pair Black Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er284 $0.99 |
|
|
1pair Green Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er282 $0.99 |
|
|
1pair Yellow Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er283 $0.99 |
|
|
Purple Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er286 $0.99 |
|
|
Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er287 $0.99 |
|
|
1 Puple Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er286 $0.99 |
|
|
Blue Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er285 $0.99 |
|
|
6pairs Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er282-287 $0.99 |
|
|
Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er284 $0.99 |
|
|
1 Blue Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er285 $0.99 |
|
|
1 Black Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er284 $0.99 |
|
|
Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er282 $0.99 |
|
|
1 Green Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er282 $0.99 |
|
|
EXP Hand-Painted 48″ Oriental Wall Art Scroll Lucky Pigs-With Light Green Border $0.99 |
|
|
6pairs Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er282-287 $0.99 |
|
|
Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er285 $0.99 |
|
|
orange Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er283 $0.99 |
|
|
Free P&P new style Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring dangle er282 $0.99 |
|
|
Free P&P new style Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring dangle er285 $0.99 |
|
|
6pairs Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er282-287 $0.99 |
|
|
Green Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er282 $0.99 |
|
|
BRAND NEW HOME DECOR SILK BORDER CUSHION PILLOW COVER WAL DECOR ART OF INDIA 16″ $0.99 |
|
|
Yellow Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er283 $0.99 |
|
|
Christmas Scrapbook card Make art border edge craft paper punch Shaper $0.99 |
|
|
LEISURE ARTS WORDS TO REMEMBER ALPHABETS, BORDERS, & DESIGNS LEAFLET #235 $0.99 |
|
|
Black Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er284 $0.99 |
|
|
Free P&P new style Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring dangle er283 $0.99 |
|
|
EXP Hand-Painted Oriental Wall Art Scroll – Prosperity Buddha -With Beige Border $0.99 |
|
|
More Southwest Borders Leisure Arts #835 Vintage 1989 Cross Stitch Pattern $0.99 |
|
|
Free P&P new style Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring dangle er284 $0.99 |
|
|
Green Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er282 $0.99 |
|
|
Black Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er284 $0.99 |
|
|
red Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er287 $0.99 |
|
|
Yellow Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er283 $0.99 |
|
|
New Art Deco Borders and Motifs – Royalty Free Designs & Frames – William Rowe $0.99 |
|
|
blue Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er285 $0.99 |
|
|
Red Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er287 $0.99 |
|
|
purple Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er286 $0.99 |
|
|
Puple Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er286 $0.99 |
|
|
Leisure Arts ~ JUST FINGERTIPS ~ 10 borders for the bath $0.99 |
|
|
Red Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er287 $0.99 |
|
|
Blue Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er285 $0.99 |
|
|
Red Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er287 $0.99 |
|
|
Blue Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er285 $0.99 |
|
|
Black Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er284 $0.99 |
|
|
Yellow Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er283 $0.99 |
|
|
Red Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er287 $0.99 |
|
|
Puple Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er286 $0.99 |
|
|
Blue Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er285 $0.99 |
|
|
Puple Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er286 $0.99 |
|
|
Green Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er282 $0.99 |
|
|
Green Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er282 $0.99 |
|
|
Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er283 $0.99 |
|
|
black Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er284 $0.99 |
|
|
1pair Puple Border waterdrop Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring er286 $0.99 |
|
|
Scrapbook card art border edge craft paper punch Shaper $0.99 |
|
|
INDIAN SILK SARI ZARI BORDER PILLOW CUSHION COVER THROW COUCH DECOR ART DESIGN $0.99 |
|
|
EXOTIC ANTIQUE SILK SARI BORDER CUSHION PILLOW COVER TAPESTRY ART OF INDIA 16″ $0.99 |
|
|
Vintage Metal Findings Lot Embellishment Altered Art – Fawns in Floral Border $0.99 |
|
|
TWO NOAHS ARK MONKEYS JUNGLE SAFARI THEME WALL ART BORDER DECALS STICKERS $0.99 |
|
|
1981 ART SHILL Kansas City Chiefs Red Border Sticker $0.99 |
|
|
Charted Alphabets and Borders Vol Two – Leisure Arts $0.99 |
|
|
MONKEY ELEPHANT GIRAFFE FROG JUNGLE NURSERY BABY WALL ART BORDER DECALS STICKERS $0.99 |
|
|
Leisure Arts ALPHABETS & BORDERS Volume 3 in Cross stitch $0.99 |
|
|
1975 Leisure Arts CHARTED ALPHABETS & BORDERS Vol. 2 Needlepoint & Cross stitch $0.99 |
|
|
1985 Leisure Arts MONZA – SCRIPT ALPHABET & BORDERS Charted for Cross stitch $0.99 |
|
|
Sea Shell Art Nouveau Rope Border~Sailing Boat~Ocean Waves~Clouds~Emboss~Winsch $0.99 |
|
|
DIY assemble oil painting frame art outline border frames canvas new structure $0.99 |
|
|
Motawi Art Tile 3″x 6″ Storer Triplet Sculpted Edge Border Frank Lloyd Wright $0.99 |
|
|
Charted ALPHABETS and BORDERS Vol 2 Leisure Arts Leaflet 57 $1.00 |
|
|
Milly Smith’s Folk Art Borders Leaflet 308, Milly Smith, Book $1.00 |
|
|
Just Fingertips – 10 Borders for the Bath (Leisure Arts Leaflet #485, Counted Cr $1.00 |
|
|
Milly Smith’s Folk Art Borders (Cross Stitch) Book 2 (Leaflet 308), Leisure Art, $1.00 |
|
|
Leisure Arts Just Fingering #485 10 Borders $1.00 |
|
|
Easy-to-Duplicate Juvenile Borders (Dover Quick Copy Art) – Paperback $1.00 |
|
|
Folk Art Borders Cross Stitch Pattern LA308 Milly Smith $1.00 |
|
|
Ready-to-Use Thematic Borders (Dover Clip-Art Seri $1.00 |
|
|
The Alphabet Book, 13 alphabets, 6 numbers and 9 borders, Leisure Arts Leaflet 4 $1.18 |
|
|
ART- BLUE BOY -GREEN BORDER – SINGLE VINTAGE SWAP PLAYING CARD $1.18 |
|
|
Free P&P new style Border Murano Lampwork Art Glass Beaded Earring dangle er286 $1.25 |
|
|
2 BORDER BOOKS-CCS-FOLK ART MILLY SMITH – BORDER BONANZA KATHLEEN HURLEY-60+ $1.25 |
|
|
folk art borders (towels) in cross stitch $1.25 |
|
|
Art Impressions Unmounted Folk Heart Mini Border Rubber $1.46 |
|
|
HERO ARTS Squiggles Border Rubber Stamp NEW $1.49 |
|
|
1963-1980 Girl Scout Junior ART IN THE ROUND BADGE Choose Year/Fabric! $1.49 |
|
|
Cross-stitch Pattern Booklet: Folk Art Borders by Milly Smith $1.49 |
|
|
Art Full Body Postage Stamp BORDER COLLIE Australia Native Dog Breeds Issue MNH $1.49 |
|
|
1940 Reissue UK Arthur Wardle Dog Art Player Cigarette Card BORDER TERRIER $1.49 |
|
|
Milly Smiths Folk Art Borders Counted Cross Stitch $1.50 |
|
|
Original ACEO Border Collie Pup Dog Art Card in Coloured Pencils by Alice Ladkin $1.56 |
|
|
EX RARE BORDER FINE ARTS POTTERY BORDER BLACK FACED LAMB MIB A4605 $1.56 |
|
|
Beatrix Potter Mrs Rabbit Border Fine Arts figurine 7 x 4 CM BPM 11 $1.56 |
|
|
Border Fine Arts Blue Tit bird on coconut – Ayres 1984 $1.56 |
