Micheles Tribal Inspirations Jewelry blog

Glass Mosaic Tile Art: Color and Contrast

Making wonderful glass mosaic tile art is easy!  Let me show you how.

Working with color in mosaics is much more challenging than most other art media, such as paint and colored pencils.  The painter’s color palette is limited only by the painter’s imagination in mixing any number of colors until the desired hue is achieved.  In contrast, the mosaic artist’s color palette is constrained by the limited colors that glass manufacturers decide to produce, which are typically determined by what sells best.

As an example, let’s compare the mosaic artist’s choices for the color blue to the painter’s choices.  One of my favorite online mosaic tile stores offers 14 various colors of blue vitreous glass tiles; whereas, a popular online artist’s paint store offers only 13 colors of blue paint.  However, the paint store also offers 91 various shades of reds, yellows, oranges, greens, purples, pinks, browns, grays, whites, and more.  The painter can choose to blend any one of the 13 blue colors with any number of the other 91 colors.  Unlike a painter, the mosaic artist can’t blend various colors to create a new one.  So, while the mosaic artist is limited to only 14 colors of blue, the painter has an almost limitless palette.

If we, as mosaic artists, can’t mix colors to create new ones, are we stuck with what the glass manufacturers give us?  Certainly not.  This is where the artist’s imagination and creativity are tested.  Unlike the painter who mixes colors to create new ones, we blend different colors and shades by placing them next to each other to give the illusion of color change.  For example, by alternating small pieces of dark blue and light blue tesserae, the result is that our eyes interpret the pattern as medium blue when viewed from a distance.  If we view the pattern from only 12 inches, then our eyes can distinguish the pattern and we see an obvious checkerboard.  However, when viewed from 12 feet, we must focus more to distinguish the checkerboard because our eyes interpret the blend as a single color (i.e., we see medium blue instead of a bunch of small pieces of dark blue and light blue).

Color is equally as important to your mosaic’s look as andamento (i.e., the visual movement of your mosaic created by placing tesserae in specific patterns).  Artists choose colors to stir emotions or simply because they like how the colors look.  The brain is sensitive to certain color schemes, so whatever motivates your color choices, you must ensure the combinations don’t irritate or bore the viewer.

Be aware of how the eyes see varying color characteristics when colors are juxtaposed.  Plan your desired look before cutting and gluing any tesserae.  Do you want contrast or do you want an intentional blended look where the colors are barely discernable?  When you determine the overall look, mood, and feel that you want your mosaic to represent, you’ll know how to achieve it by combining color with andamento.

Experiment with different hues, tones, and intensities to create texture and shading.  Browse the Internet for mosaic artists of different styles to see how they use color.  Note the feelings that each piece evokes in you, then think about how the artist’s use of color contributes to creating those feelings.

The best way to learn how to use color in mosaics is to start cutting and gluing your own glass.  Yes, you’ll probably make a few mistakes along the way, but learn from them and don’t repeat them.  Maybe someday, I’ll be in a museum marveling at the incredible use of color in one of your mosaics!

Remember, making mosaic art is easy. You can do it.  Yes, you can!

About the Author

Bill Enslen has created beautiful mosaic art for 30 years. His new eBook, Mosaic Pieces: Essentials for Beginner and Professional Mosaic Artists, gives you step-by-step details for creating your own mosaic masterpieces. Visit his website and read the free sample chapters at Glass Mosaic Tile Art. Let him show you just how easy it is. With Bill’s help, you can do it. Yes, you can!

Glass Blowing – Red Wine Glass – Bristol Blue Glass

Cuisinart CPB-300 SmartPower 15-Piece Compact Portable Blending/Chopping System Meet the Cuisinart SmartPower Compact Portable Blender – the compact powerhouse that does it all! Use the streamline blending cup to make smoothies in a flash! Mince herbs in the chopper cup and whip up custom drinks right in the “To-Go” cups – we’ve included four of them so everyone can have their favorite! Designed of fit anywhere, the Compact Portable Blender delivers big blender performance wi…

Pyrex 6022369 Storage 14-Piece Round Set, Clear with Blue Lids $19.99 Pyrex 14-pc Storage Set ***OPEN BOX***   This NEW product you are browsing has been inspected by our certified technicians to ensure that it meets factory specifications; it is guaranteed to be in perfect working order.The Equipment is sold in AS IS condition and returns will not be accepted so please contact us with any questions BEFORE placing an order at 1-800-572-3224 Ext: 243. We ac…

Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle $79.99 This Cuisinart Perfectemp Cordless Electric Programmable Kettle offers latest innovation for this product category%2E Heating water will never be easier with this handsome brushed stainless steel kettle%2E Great for making tea%2C hot chocolate or instant soups%2E It will quickly bring 1%2E75 quarts of water to a boil and then turn itself off%2E…

Lady Sings the Blues $9.25 Diana Ross stars as legendary blues singer Billie Holiday in this biopic that chronicles her rise and fall. It begins with her late childhood, a stint as a prostitute, those early days as a blues singer, her marriages, and her drug addiction. Overly glossy and lacking depth, this is worth seeing only for the performances. Diana Ross was nominated for an Oscar for her acting debut. A dynamo with sp…

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The Lion King (Four-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy) $24.95 Vibrant and exciting Disney animated feature (the first based on an original story) about lion cub Simba, who is to follow in his father Mufasa’s pawsteps as king of the jungle. But his wicked uncle Scar hatches a scheme to blame Simba for Mufasa’s death so he can claim the throne himself. Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane supply voices; the Elton John…

Beauty and the Beast (Five Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy) $34.99 Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 10/04/2011 Rating: G…

Tron: Legacy (Four-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy) $26.95 The luminescent lines and shimmering surfaces of Tron: Legacy will tantalize anyone who’s lusted after the latest smartphone. The long-ago disappearance of his computer-genius father has left Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund, Four Brothers) with existential ennui and a lot of money. When he discovers his father’s secret workshop, he gets sucked into a computerized realm ruled by a megalomaniac computer …

ASUS Transformer TF300 T-B1-BL 10.1-Inch 32 GB Tablet (Blue) $392.88 The ASUS TF300T-B1-BL Eee Pad Transformer Tablet features an Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS to access different Android apps, and possesses a sleek 10.1” WXGA IPS capacitive pressure-sensing multi touch display to explore and navigate its customizable interface. This tablet is also ready to unleash impressive performance with its NVIDIA Tegra 3 Quad-core processor. This tablet also c…

Murano-style Glass Blue Twisted Leaf Swirl Pendant $8.99 This Murano-inspired pendant will lend the ideal artistic touch to any outfit. Decorate any piece of jewelry with the vivacious hues of this glass blue twisted leaf pendant.

La Preciosa Glass Blue Bead Charm Bracelet $23.49 This La Preciosa bead charm bracelet shine with blue glass beads. This jewelry piece features a snake chain and a lobster claw clasp.

Glass ‘Blue Grace’ Pitcher (Mexico) $36.49 Pretty glass pitcher is decorated with a blue rim and handleServeware created using traditional techniquesCool drinks become even more tempting in a translucent pitcher

Murano-style Glass Blue Flower Heart Pendant $4.99 This Murano-inspired glass pendant will lend the ideal touch of artistic style to any look. Decorate yourself with the lively colors of this stunning black and gold heart pendant with a blue flower design.

Murano-style Glass Blue Twisted Leaf Earrings $9.19 These Murano-inspired earrings will give the perfect artistic touch to any wardrobe. Adorn yourself with the vibrant color of these handcrafted glass earrings in a twisted leaf shape with swirls of blue and various other colors.

Tempered Glass Blue Vessel Sink $92.99 Contemporary bathroom sink is a perfect home improvement projectRound basin sink is crafted of tempered glassThis translucent vessel sink is available in a blue color option

Murano Glass Blue Swirl Twisted Leaf Pendant $8.99 This Murano-inspired twisted leaf pendant will give the perfect artistic touch to any wardrobe. Adorn yourself with the vibrant colors of this lovely blue pendant.

Murano-style Glass Blue Swirl Pendant $9.99 This Murano-inspired glass pendant will give a lovely hint of artistic style to any ensemble. Decorate your jewelry with the lively colors of this beautiful swirl pendant in blue, clear and gold.

Glass Blue Turquoise and White Pearl Jewelry Set $18.35 Let this flexible jewelry set decorate your style for a dressy night out on the town, a day at the office or for a normal day out and about. The necklace and earrings offer blue turquoise beads and white pearls of glass.

Glass Blue and White Flowers 14-mm Lampwork Bead (Pack of 2) $7.29 These hand-blown glass beads will fit right in with your Pandora charms. These large hole round beads are a gorgeous smokey color with blue flowers and green, vine-like stripes. The hole is lined with silver color base metal for friction protection.

Murano-style Glass Blue Flower Heart Pendant $10.39 This Murano-inspired heart pendant will give the perfect artistic touch to any wardrobe. Adorn yourself with the vibrant colors of this lovely blue and black pendant.

Murano Glass Blue Flower Teardrop Pendant $8.49 This Murano-inspired flower teardrop pendant will give the perfect artistic touch to any wardrobe. Adorn yourself with the vibrant colors of this lovely blue and clear pendant.

Glass ‘Blue Moon Rising’ Earrings (Chile) $16.49 Handmade jewelry adds a colorful touch to any outfit. These drop earrings feature fused glass that progresses from light blue bubbles to a deep passionate blue.

Murano Glass Blue Flower Heart Pendant $9.09 This Murano-inspired pendant will give the ideal artistic touch to any wardrobe. Adorn your jewelry with the vivacious color of this glass heart pendant.

Murano-style Glass Blue Striped Turtle Pendant $8.19 This Murano-inspired pendant will lend the ideal artistic touch to any outfit. Decorate any piece of jewelry with the vivacious hues of this glass turtle pendant.

Bleek2Sheek Murano-inspired Glass Blue and Black Heart Earrings $8.89 Adorn yourself with the vibrant blue, gold and black colors of these handcrafted heart-shaped glass earrings. These Murano-inspired earrings will give the perfect artistic touch to any wardrobe.

Fused Glass Blue Splash Rectangular Pendant (Chile) $14.89 Make a bold statement with a handcrafted necklace from Chile Handmade jewelry celebrates the art of fused glass in a rectangular pendantNecklace features blue and white glass splashing onto blue bubble glass

Sterling Silver ‘Time in a Bottle’ December Birthstone Blue Topaz Necklace $29.69 This ‘Time in a Bottle’ necklace features an hourglass pendant filled with blue topaz dust, the perfect gift for a December birthday. The pendant necklace includes a .925 sterling silver rope chain with a spring ring closure.

Square Fused Glass Blue Bubbles Earrings (Chile) $14.69 These colorful earrings celebrate the art of fused glass. Hancrafted by Juan Pablo Borcoski of Chile, this lovely jewelry features three shades of blue with two opaque lines and a layer of blue bubbles.

Glass Blue Bubbles and Stripes Earrings (Chile) $17.79 Lovely dangling earrings designed in Chile by Juan Pablo BorcoskiJewelry features small rectangles of shimmering glassSparking blue earrings include silver metal hooks

Glass Blue Blend Tile (Pack of 10) $117.99 Material: GlassResidential usage: Flooring, countertops, wall/backsplashCommercial usage: Wall/backsplash

Murano-style Glass Blue Striped Leaf Pendant $8.99 This Murano-inspired striped leaf pendant will give the perfect artistic touch to any wardrobe. Adorn yourself with the vibrant colors of this lovely clear and blue pendant.

Murano-style Glass Blue Flower Heart Pendant $9.59 This Murano-inspired pendant will give the ideal artistic touch to any wardrobe. Adorn your jewelry with the vivacious color of this glass heart pendant.

Murano-style Glass Blue Spotted Cross Pendant $7.69 This Murano-inspired pendant will lend the ideal artistic touch to any outfit. Decorate any piece of jewelry with the vivacious hues of this glass cross pendant.

Blown Glass ‘Blue Caress’ Pitcher (Guatemala) $50.99 From Guatemala, this elegant pitcher evokes a calla lily as ribbons of blue envelop the piece in a diaphanous caress. Cantel Blown Glass Artisans demonstrate their expertise, creating this hand blown pitcher of recycled glass.

Murano-inspired Glass Blue Oval Donut Pendant $8.59 This murano-inspired pendant will give the perfect artistic touch to any wardrobe. Adorn your necklace with the vibrant colors of this beautiful glass pendant.

Fused Glass Blue Ice Rectangle Necklace (Chile) $19.49 Make a bold statement with a handcrafted necklace from Chile Handmade jewelry celebrates the art of fused glass in a rectangular pendantNecklace features blue opaque and bubble glass

Glass Blue Cool Breeze Beaded Necklace (India) $26.49 Handcrafted by artisans in India, this necklace comes in a beautiful blue hue. The necklace is made of nickel-plated base metal with glass beads and secures with a lobster claw clasp.

Silver Oval Glass ‘Blue Wave’ Bracelet (Chile) $12.99 Oval fused glass bracelet is handmade in ChileWorld jewelry features fused glass approximately 1.25 inches longBracelet designed and made by Patricia Gonzales and her partner George Miranda, with COMPARTE

Fused Glass Blue/ Turquoise Heart Neckalce (Chile) $15.53 Necklace celebrate the art of fused glass with a blue heart-shaped pendantFun and colorful jewelry is handcrafted in Chile by Patricia Gonzales and her partner George MirandaPendant hangs from an 18-inch rubber cord

Bleek2Sheek Murano-inspired Glass Blue and Black Heart Earrings $8.49 Adorn yourself with the vibrant black and clear colors of these handcrafted heart-shaped glass earrings. These Murano-inspired earrings will give the perfect artistic touch to any wardrobe.

Set of 6 Blown Glass ‘Blue Ribbon’ Wine Glasses (Mexico) $65.99 This festive set of goblets by Javier and Efren features wild ribbons of cobalt blue dancing through the crystalline blown glass. The glassware is meticulously handcrafted with the perfect balance of elegance and weight.

Glass Blue Swirl Rectangular Bracelet (Chile) $12.29 Rectangular fused glass bracelet is made in Chile Handmade jewelry is designed with a silver metal chain Unique bracelet secures with a lobster claw clasp

Square Fused Glass Blue Miro Earrings (Chile) $15.49 Colorful earrings celebrate the art of fused glassHandmade jewelry is crafted by Juan Pablo BorcoskiAlluring earrings measure 0.75 inch square

Set of 6 Blown Glass ‘Blue Roots’ Margarita Glasses (Mexico) $68.99 This set of six classic margarita glasses is designed and crafted by Javier and Efren. Molded and blown while red-hot, these handcrafted glasses retain their fiery essence while delivering a sense of cool simplicity to any celebration.

Boardwalk Glass Blue Rug (2’6 x 3’10) $35.69 Constructed of olefin this beautiful rug has an abstruse stripe pattern and latex backing. Featuring a blue and multiple color finish, this handsome casual rug has a 0.6875 inch pile.

Set of 6 Blown Glass ‘Blue Blossoms’ Glasses (Mexico) $74.99 Update your kitchen’s decor with these beautiful crystalline juice glasses in deep blue. With lovely floral patterns, this set of six glasses is etched by hand.

Cotton and Fused Glass Blue on Blue Square Necklace (Chile) $24.49 Royal blue washes to aqua bubbles spray flecks of deep blue within a translucent square fused glass pendant on this stunning necklace. The pair of adjustable silken cords for this piece of jewelry contains artistically knotted luminous beads.

Murano-style Glass Blue and Gold Swirling Butterfly Pendant $9.09 This Murano-inspired pendant will lend the ideal artistic touch to any outfit. Decorate any piece of jewelry with the vivacious hues of this glass butterfly pendant.

Set of 2 Iron and Recycled Glass ‘Blue Revival’ Coat Hooks (Ghana) $23.99 Recycled glass construct these handcrafted coat hooks. Easily wall mountable, these cot hooks will make a great addition to any room while increasing your storage capacity.

Murano-style Glass Blue Striped Twisted Curl Pendant $9.99 This Murano-inspired twisted curl pendant will give the perfect artistic touch to any wardrobe. Adorn yourself with the vibrant colors of this lovely blue and black pendant.

Bleek2Sheek Murano-inspired Glass Blue and Black Teardrop Earrings $8.49 Adorn yourself with the vibrant blue and black colors of these handcrafted teardrop-shaped glass earrings. These Murano-inspired earrings will give the perfect artistic touch to any wardrobe.

Murano Glass Blue/ Gold/ Silver Sparkling Curl Pendant $8.59 This Murano-inspired pendant will lend the ideal artistic touch to any outfit. Decorate any piece of jewelry with the vivacious hues of this glass curl pendant.

Murano-style Glass Blue, Black and Gold Music Note Pendant $9.29 This Murano-inspired pendant will lend the ideal artistic touch to any outfit. Decorate any piece of jewelry with the vivacious hues of this glass music note pendant.

Murano-style Glass Blue Lily Flower Teardrop Pendant $9.79 This Murano-inspired lily flower pendant will give the perfect artistic touch to any wardrobe. Adorn yourself with the vibrant colors of this lovely blue and black pendant.

Charming Life Sterling Silver Art Glass Blue/ Green Earrings $12.89 Each of these square-shaped art glass earrings feature a green abstract pattern against a sea blue background, accented with a green Swarovski crystal. These Charming Life earrings secure with sterling silver leverback closures.

Set of 4 Blown Glass ‘Blues’ Juice Glasses (Guatemala) $53.99 The enchantment of hand-blown glass distinguishes this set of four juice glasses. By artisans from the Cooperative of Cantel in Guatemala, each glass tumbler boasts a ribbon of blue around the rim.

Glass Blue and Red Spice of Life Beaded Necklace (India) $23.49 Handcrafted by artisans in India, this necklace comes in a beautiful red and blue hue. The multi-strand necklace is made of nickel-plated base metal with glass beads and offers easy slip-on styling.

Murano-style Glass Blue, Silver and Black Heart Pendant $8.99 This Murano-inspired glass pendant will lend the ideal touch of artistic style to any look. Decorate yourself with the lively colors of this stunning striped blue, silver and black heart pendant.

Fused Glass Blue Amoeba Design Crescent Necklace (Chile) $14.09 Add a unique accent to your outfit with a necklace featuring a fused-glass crescent pendantNecklace features opaque blue with a dark organic patternHandmade jewelry is an excellent piece of world art

Nike Mercurial Miracle II FG – Mens – Trace Blue/Cyber/Volt/Anthracite $129.99 Because you can’t play barefoot, the Nike Mercurial Miracle II FG molded soccer boot is built to enhance your play. Its lightweight Teijin synthetic leather upper gives supreme ball feel. A contoured speed last mirrors the shape of the foot to provide maximum acceleration, strength and support. A contoured sockliner with EVA foam inserts reduces stud pressure for long-lasting comfort. Getting you closer to the ground and taking even more weight out of the shoe are the forefoot super lightweight Vapor traction islands for instant acceleration and quick cutting in all directions. A glass fiber composite heel chassis gives lightweight stability with minimal slippage. Direct-injected, dual-density TPU studs give a smooth ride on firm, natural surfaces. This comfortable molded soccer shoe will give you ample opportunity to shine. Wt. 8.4 oz.

Nike Mercurial Vapor VII FG – Mens – Trace Blue/Cyber/Volt/Anthracite $219.99 Can a soccer boot really give you energy? Answer that question after you have on the Nike Mercurial Vapor VII FG molded soccer boot. The magic happens in the full-length glass fiber composite chassis for an incredible amount of energy. Dual-density TPU studs give optimal penetration and quick change of direction. Soft, supple Teijin synthetic leather adjusts to the foot shape. Contoured speed last mirrors the foot shape. Lace cover increases ball contact area. A contoured sockliner with EVA foam inserts reduces stud pressure. The Vapor VII FG is for use on firm to less firm natural surfaces. Wt. 8.8 oz.

Nike Zoom Kobe VI – Mens – Dark Grey/Blue/Black/Chilling Red $129.99 The Nike Zoom Kobe VI is the latest evolution of basketball footwear. Moldable upper with new Flywire construction creates a dynamic, lightweight fit with an Achilles notch for greater comfort. Contoured, conforming sockliner molds itself to your foots specific shape. Tighter heel construction allows for a slimmer profile collar package. Higher density, full-length, injected Phylon midsole, specifically formulated for basketball. Combines with lightweight Nike Zoom unit in the heel to deliver ultra-responsive cushioning. Solid rubber outsole. Black mamba-inspired traction features a zonally engineered pattern and flex grooves for quick, precise cuts. Exposed glass plate promotes multi-directional acceleration. Removable insole. Wt. 10.2 oz.