Many mosaicists have different methods of creating mosaics, I personally like to think of a design or theme first, then the size and dimension of marine plywood, mdf or pure cement boards is chosen and cut to appropriate size.

Design is then pencil drawn direct onto board and sometimes coloured in; Choosing the tesserae (tiles) is always exciting as there are so many thousands of styles and colours to choose from. Once chosen I then start the process of cutting and shaping each tesserae and place onto board with woodglue or cement adhesive if for exterior use.

Once the whole mosaic is complete I then wait for twenty four hours for glue to dry before grouting, normally grey coloured as it blends in with all tessarae colours.

Athene shows how the tonal values of a mosaic are so very important. I always start with the eye, then mouth, trying to build up the character of the face. Up to now, she has taken eighty hours.