Abstract Stained-Glass Mosaic

I am now obsessed with abstract stained-glass mosaic. I recently completed two small studies on 6×6-inch plywood backers in preparation for some larger compositions.

These larger compositions will be semi-abstract with the outlines of figures hidden in Fauvist contours. I am very excited about these coming works because they will make use of contoured andamento, which I consider to be the most visually interesting mode of mosaic.

My First Abstract Mosaic

The mosaic above is my first attempt at abstract mosaic, and the results thrilled me because I can look at this and see all the many different variations that are possible, various color schemes, semi-abstract compositions, etc.

I am particularly excited by the possibilities of semi-abstract variations that include the outlines of various figures. These figures could be as mottled in color as the backgrounds or colored differently. I see many different variations and degrees of abstraction.

The Power of Series

I made certain that the second mosaic I made was the same 6×6-inch size as the first mosaic.

Keeping the size the same allowed me to work much more quickly and efficiently than I would have if the size of the second mosaic were different because I didn’t have to change the scale of what I was doing.

Producing a series of mosaics of the same size not only allows you to work faster and more precisely, it also allows you to compare apples-to-apples in evaluating the results. You can try different variations and do experiments.

This is exactly what I did for my second abstract mosaic.

I made the strands of colors longer and more consistent with fewer discontinuities in the work lines.

I love looking at these two side by side and thinking about what other variations are possible:

Small Easels

The small easels used to display fine china is what I use for displaying my small mosaics.

I like my mosaics to be handled and not hung on walls like paintings.