Mosaic Art

Mosaic art is a type of art creation that has been around for thousands of years. What is a mosaic? 

Mosaics can be made with all kinds of materials! Some are created using the finest materials gathered from sources around the world: smalti (colored glass), gold, marble, glass, ceramic and more. 

These are images from the Cone Mosaic Courtyard in Uruk which is near the Mediterranean Sea near the Persian Gulf. They are 3000 BC or approx. 5,000 years old!

Antoni Gaudi a famous Spanish Architect put many of these mosaics on his buildings. 

Mosaics shine most showing 2 KEY Elements of Art.... Color and Texture. Using different shades of colors/textures is always a great way to create the most interest in mosaics.  

The challenge of mosaic work is making the materials fit/mold into the desired and detailed designs so the lines and patterns are strong and interesting. Even the most simple large design can be a challenge to "fit" the pieces so many times the pieces need to be cut or hand crafted to fit. One artist who is great at this is Sonia King.

Today's Project: Mosaic Masterpieces!

Supplies List: 

Teacher provided or In-Class Supplies: Glue and glue sticks and pencils

Step 1 - Draw a simple pattern or shape on black paper. Considering time constraints, keep the drawing simple.

Step 2 - Using many shades of color, use the paper tiles to fill in color around the pencil outlines in Step 1. Scissors help it to fit properly just like cutting tiles and then stick on paper with glue.

Here are a few more examples of paper mosaics: 

Justin Meacham

Kaitlyn Howell

Alina Luck

Isabella Buwa

Ella Glassburn

Ava Derby

Mattie Hockert

Addison Anderson-Owens

Ella Bailey

Sonia King (1953 to present) - (Optional)

Sonia King (born 1953) is a present day mosaic artist, author and educator with studios in Dallas, Texas and San Francisco, California. Mosaic artist Sonia King creates mosaics for gallery, architectural, community and home settings. Her award-winning art is exhibited nationally and internationally and represented in private, public and corporate collections.  

Video: Optional viewing of Sonia King creating mosaic art.