Mixed Material Portraiture / Pick your own project ~ 4-day Masterclass

Create a portrait mosaic that is uniquely your own in this immersive five-day masterclass.

Whether you choose to create a portrait of a person or a beloved animal, you’ll work on your own project with individualized guidance throughout the workshop. I’ll share the methods and techniques I’ve developed through years of exploration, workshops with leading mosaic artists, and my studies at the Contemporary Mosaic School in Spilimbergo, Italy, all adapted into my own personal approach.

We’ll work with a rich variety of materials, including picassiette (reclaimed dishes, saucers, and pottery), glass, ceramic, and other hard materials. You’re also encouraged to incorporate meaningful objects such as stone, marble, or found treasures to make your mosaic even more personal.

Throughout the workshop, I’ll demonstrate how to safely use mosaic hand tools to cut and shape different materials while sharing practical tips for combining textures, colors, and patterns to create expressive, dynamic portraits.

Because everyone works at a different pace, completing a portrait within five days isn’t the goal. Instead, you’ll leave with the knowledge, confidence, and a personalized plan for finishing your mosaic at home. Before the workshop concludes, I’ll demonstrate the finishing process and discuss the next steps with each participant individually.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a solid understanding of:

• Choosing a compelling reference image
• Preparing a design for mosaic
• Understanding value and composition
• Cutting and shaping a variety of materials
• Setting tesserae into a mortar bed
• Creating texture, depth, and visual interest

Participants are encouraged to bring a few dishes, teacups, pottery, or other ceramic pieces with interesting patterns or sentimental value to personalize their artwork. Thrift stores and yard sales are wonderful places to discover inexpensive treasures.

After registering, you’ll receive an email from me with guidance on selecting reference images, along with a list of recommended tools and any additional materials that will help you prepare for the workshop.