Butterfly Mosaic Sculpture by Jill Gatwood, work in progress detail #2 cropped

Subtle Color Variegation

I wanted to share more photos of Jill Gatwood’s Mosaic Butterfly commission because it is a good example of subtle use of color variegation when fairly uniform color fields are desired.

I often recommend using color variegation (a mix of related hues or shades of a particular hue) as an alternative to monochromatic areas of color. Color variegation is a relatively simple way to create visual interest and increase verisimilitude, and so it seems like the logical way to mosaic by default.

The problem is that it is possible for figures to lose definition and be lost in backgrounds when variegation is overused or used without looking critically at the image as you create it.

TIP: Don’t stick with decisions if they don’t look right. Don’t just “go with it” hoping that grouting will fix the problem. Lay tile on the backer as a color study BEFORE you cut or glue down tile. Try different colors.

Butterfly Mosaic Sculpture by Jill Gatwood, work in progress detail #1
Butterfly Mosaic Sculpture by Jill Gatwood, work in progress detail #1

A practical rule of thumb is to not try to variegate the colors of small details. Keep those elements monochrome to reinforce their definition. Use color variegation only for larger element that can benefit with a break in monotony.

There is a second issue with using color variegation, but this second issue is more psychological than real.

Butterfly Mosaic Sculpture by Jill Gatwood, work in progress detail #2
Butterfly Mosaic Sculpture by Jill Gatwood, work in progress detail #2

This issue happens when an artist decides that an element needs to be monochromatic and as intense as possible but incorrectly assumes that this is only possible if the same color tile is used throughout the element.

You can use variegation even when you desire a fairly uniform color field.

First, if the tiles are relatively small compared to the area being covered so that there are a lot of tiles, then the eye will help blend those colors in the mind of the viewer.

Butterfly Mosaic Sculpture by Jill Gatwood, work in progress detail #6
Butterfly Mosaic Sculpture by Jill Gatwood, work in progress detail #6

Also, you don’t need for the different hues or shades being used to be very different from each other. They only need to be slightly different to be effective in breaking monotony and creating visual interest.

Butterfly Mosaic Sculpture by Jill Gatwood, work in progress detail #3
Butterfly Mosaic Sculpture by Jill Gatwood, work in progress detail #3

Color Integration

Notice how the blue and purple areas both include some black mixed into them. This helps the black outlining used throughout the composition look less stark and less like the outlines in a coloring book.

TIP: By mixing certain select hues into a color field, you can help integrate different elements into a visual whole.

Butterfly Mosaic Sculpture by Jill Gatwood, work in progress detail #4
Butterfly Mosaic Sculpture by Jill Gatwood, work in progress detail #4

Installation

Notice how Jill’s design incorporates the removable sponsor plaques and uses the places where they will go as attachment points where fasteners can drill through the backer and into the studs of the wall. Very clever.

Butterfly Mosaic Sculpture by Jill Gatwood, installing process
Butterfly Mosaic Sculpture by Jill Gatwood, installing process

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5 responses to “Subtle Color Variegation”

  1. stella G hastie Avatar
    stella G hastie

    Hi, Joe,
    Thanks ! This is so helpful for even small projects. BTW, do I see Welbond as the glue being used?

    Stella

    1. Joe Moorman Avatar
      Joe Moorman

      Yes.

  2. Kim Avatar
    Kim

    Great write up by a pro and really appreciate the case study; the installation is beautiful- I love that this mosaic art piece will be “interactive”!!

    Kim

  3. Velma Maldonado Avatar
    Velma Maldonado

    This is absolutely “beautiful”! I love it. I am new to this and have been gathering all sorts of information and idea, however, I haven’t taken the plunge to start anything yet. I am curious. What is holding this together? Meaning what is this all glued onto? I hope to see more of your work. I
    enjoyed the butterfly transformation very much. Thank you.

    1. Joe Moorman Avatar
      Joe Moorman

      The backer used is foam-core tile backer board. There are several brands, but this project was made on the Wedi brand of board.

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