Mosaic Painting Exercise

This is hard to do… but fun to try!

Test your ability to see accurate shapes, values and colors right off the bat.

Read the whole lesson before attempting - like a baking recipe.

You will need

  • A surface to paint on, I used a piece of Arches Oil paper. I did not wash the paper with medium for this exercise because there is no erasing required, but if you want to tone it to help you with values go ahead.

    • A support for the oil paper if you’re using it

    • Artist tape to fix the paper to the support if you’re using it

  • Brushes, I use long flat bristles in sizes 1-6

  • Oil paint in the Zorn Palette: Cadmium Red, Yellow Ochre, Titanium White , Ivory Black (limited palette will make it easier to focus on the difficulties of this exercise. If you try it and you need more of a challenge.. go wild with your palette next time.)

  • OMS

    • oil medium like walnut, linseed etc if you like use it when you paint in oil. If I use one I prefer an oil medium mix - approx. 50/50 oil and OMS.

  • A container for OMS (for brush washing), *and a smaller container for the medium if you need it.

  • Paper towels or rags

  • a timer

Steps

  1. Look at your subject and separate out one shape in your mind that you feel you can mix a color/value for and simply lay down on your canvas. Then try to mix the right color and value for that shape - then place that paint in the correct spot on the canvas in the correct shape for what you intended. For example: In a portrait I find the pupil easy to understand as a simple shape/value/color- and prefer to start with it.

  2. Choose the very next shape that is touching the first shape you made (eyelid or white of the eye… for example) and try to mix the right color and value for that second shape - then place that paint in the correct spot on the canvas in the correct shape for what you intended, and right next to your first shape. It will be easier if you place one shape next to the last rather than jump all around the canvas (that would be an extreme level of difficulty!).

  3. Keep laying down shape after shape until you complete the exercise or run out of time.

  4. If you judge a color or value wrong you can remix and lay your next attempt right on top of your first guess. But it’s better to TAKE YOUR TIME planning each move rather than make a mess trying to correct mistakes.

  5. Tip! Commit to take a photo of each and every shape you add. This habit will make it much easier to stay in control of your process. I did my best to stop between each new shape and snap a pic. I missed a couple pics… it’s hard to slow down.

  6. Below you will see photos of each shape start to finish of one of my mosaic studies.

  7. If you want a critique during critique club make sure you get those pics!


Instructions

  • Spend only 3 hours on this. Wherever you are at three hours will inform your next stab at the exercise. You build proficiency by learning economy and prioritization of action. A study isn't about "finish" it's about doing your best within the parameters.

  • Paint a portrait from life, paint a master portrait copy, or self portrait. If you are more advanced you may use a photo reference.

  • Set a timer for 25 minute painting sessions and timed 5 minute breaks in between. Stick to this NO MATTER WHAT. On the breaks turn your painting to the wall and DO NOT look at it until the break is over. Objectivity is your most important tool.

  • Follow the steps.

  • Do not draw out shapes first.

  • This is akin to laying down mosaic tiles.

  • Breathe and have fun.