CLASSICAL RULES OF MOSAIC MAKING - using an outline the classical way

Do you want to know how - and why- to use an outline around your mosaic work?

The outline is an ancient technique which has been used since Roman times to define the main figure in your mosaic design.

But what is it for? What does it do? And can you dispense with it altogether?

This short, easy-to-follow video explains all.

Looking at ancient examples, we show how to use the outline in your work and how the Romans used it. Later we compare with more contemporary work and then you decide if you want an outline or not!

00:00 Introduction
00:18 The outline explained with classical examples
01:00 Why use an outline?
01:25 What the outline does
02:15 The outline to push away distracting tesserae
02:37 The outline: one line or more?
03:09 Outlining fiddly bits
04:32 The outline in more recent mosaics
05:03 Mosaic work without an outline
05:38 To use an outline or not?

[tonyaregan]

I learn so much from your videos. I'm not normally a detail oriented person, but the details bring it all together smoothly. Mosaic is fascinating. Thank you for the video! You are an excellent teacher.

[dnk]

Thank you so much for introducing Eduardo Paolozzi's work. It's just fabulous.

[sandmudnclay]

Thank you so much, from Colombia, South America

[karen-lynpenton]

I have been aware of outlines in mosaics but not the reason for them. Thank you for the explanation.