Mosaic Masterclass with Michael Kruzich
In this five-day masterclass located in Falkirk, San Francisco based mosaicist Michael Kruzich has combined two key techniques into one intensive masterclass for serious mosaicists.
About Mosaic Masterclass with Michael Kruzich
Ravenna Method & Andamento Five-Day Intensive (May 2025)
This is an advanced and intensive course for serious mosaicists.
Please note that materials cost extra (approximately US$165-$300 depending on the materials you choose to use – these will be supplied by Michael and he will email you with details following registration)
In this five-day masterclass, located in a brand-new Mosaic & Glass workshop space in Central Scotland, San Francisco based mosaicist Michael Kruzich has combined two key techniques into one intensive five-day masterclass especially for our students. He will teach you to work in the Ravenna Method (or direct method into temporary binder) as well as how to draw and plan out andamento (the Latin word for flow or lines) and tessellation of mosaic lines, which is of great value before creating a mosaic. As with most disciplines, continued practice of these principles eventually becomes second nature and really pays off in the successful expression of mosaic work.
The Ravenna Method:
The Ravenna Method was developed when ancient mosaics started to have trouble with their original mortar settings and needed to be restored or transferred to other locations. It is a combination of the ancient direct method and the restoration methods developed at that time.
The Ravenna Method applies ancient methods of laying tesserae, is useful in contemporary applications, and is still used by many Italian professional mosaicists today. In the Ravenna method, materials are set into a temporary bed of lime paste or clay where they can be moved and changed until the final effect is achieved. The temporary bed of clay or lime putty remains moist for weeks and months; meaning it can be left and returned to when you are ready to work again. Once complete the mosaic is transferred to a permanent mortar bed.
Some of the main advantages of the Ravenna method are:
Changes are easily made by removing tesserae directly from the moist clay or lime putty
You are always working on the right side or face of the mosaic and as it will look when finished.
The mosaic can be worked on while sitting upright and can be viewed from a distance to see how it is reading to the eye.
Instruction in the use of hammer and hardie (the traditional tools for cutting smalti and stone) is covered, practiced, and used with stone and Italian smalti glass to reproduce a portion of a classical mosaic. Hammers and hardies are provided. We do not use nippers in this class. If you can hit a nail with a hammer, you should be able to learn these tools.
Students will have 2.5 days to complete your cutting and laying your reproduction. We then begin the extraction and setting process over the final two days.
Andamento:
Andamento refers to the “course” or lines that tesserae are laid in to make up a mosaic. Andamento was developed in harmony with the natural way our eyes perceive form and line. In figurative work, the andamento mirrors the natural form of the subject, whereas andamento in abstract work tends to be a bit freer, however, no less important to understand in creating harmonious perception for the viewer’s eye.
This course tends to lean a bit more toward figurative andamento, but also touches on the importance of how it can be used in contemporary and abstract mosaics as well.
Studying how to draw and plan out andamento and tessellation of mosaic lines is of great value before creating a mosaic, and, as with most disciplines, continued practice of these principles eventually becomes second nature and really pays off in the successful expression of mosaic work.
During and in between the final processes of the Ravenna Method reproduction in the final two days, students will be taken through progressively more challenging theory exercises in andamento to learn how to apply these principals to your own ideas. These exercises will be done on paper. The first day everyone will be doing the same exercises. The final day, these principles will be applied to your own, individually brought in, ideas on paper. (Once you’re registered, Michael will advise you on idea selections to print out and bring with you for this portion of the course.)
No mosaics are created in the last two days, other than the setting, cleaning and finishing processes of your reproduction from the first 2.5 days.
Class topics:
Some of the class topics covered include:
Mosaic terminology
Origins of the Ravenna Method and step-by-step processes
Ancient cutting techniques with hammer and hardie and proper alignment of body and tools
Developing and printing a design to a temporary clay bed
Andamento, value, and classic principles of laying tesserae for both subject and backgrounds
Mosaic materials, substrates, and binders: preparation, properties, and appropriate selection
Demos of alternate “finishing” options for mosaic including “cocciopesto” treatment
Demo of mounting a hardie in base
Several other direct method techniques.
Who is this masterclass for?
This class is for the serious mosaic student who is ready to knuckle down, work hard, and discover how the classical principles of mosaic can be of value in developing your mosaic work. This is not a socialising course. Michael wants you to have fun but you will be very busy, as will everyone, and this is to be respected. This is an intensive course with an immersive schedule. Please note there is no opportunity to make up missed time. You must be committed to being on time and staying for the duration.
Materials & fees:
Students will pay the tuition fee to Mosaic & Glass. Following your registration, Michael will send each student an email with reproduction choices. From these you will choose a reproduction to work on in the Ravenna Method. There are a variety of reproductions to choose from with varying prices depending on the materials involved (natural stone, smalti, and gold). Additionally, if you are new to cutting with a hammer and hardie, you will need to order a cutting practice packet, which you’ll use to practice your cutting in the masterclass under Michael’s guidance.
Once you have made your choices, you will inform Michael, pay for these via PayPal or Venmo, and Michael will personally order them to be shipped directly to you (or the school studio) to bring with you to the first class.
There are over 50 reproduction kit subjects available, however, not all of them are achievable in the class time. Therefore, the list Michael sends you to choose from will not include all of the choices available at www.mkmosaics.com/ancient-reproduction-kits-1
After the course, you’ll be able to order further reproduction kits from Michael to continue your practice.
It is essential to sign up for your course at as soon as possible in advance, so that all of these components have time to arrive to you.
Important notes:
This is an intensive course with an immersive schedule. Please note there is no opportunity to make up missed time.
Bring your own lunch or buy something from the local shops / sandwich bars / restaurants.
You’ll work best with your own hammer if you have one – please bring it if so.
You’ll receive an invoice for payment of the fee following registration. In case of insufficient registrations, the workshop will be cancelled and you’ll get a refund of your workshop fee. We’ll liaise with you to confirm if the class will go ahead and when you can book your travel.
If you wish to cancel your place, a refund (minus bank charges) will only be possible if someone else takes your place.
Please note that materials cost extra (approximately US$165-$300 depending on the materials you choose to use – these will be supplied by Michael and he will email you with details following registration).
About your tutor:
Michael received his training at the esteemed Mosaic Art School in Ravenna, Italy under Maestra Luciana Notturni and her colleagues. His artwork has garnered recognition nationally and internationally, including exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the deYoung Museum in San Francisco, the RavennaMosaico 2017 Biennale, and multiple awards at the “Mosaic Arts International” exhibits. A member of the Associazione Internazionale Mosaicisti Contemporanei and the Society of American Mosaic Artists, Michael is based in San Francisco, CA, where he operates his studio. There, he specializes in creating fine art mosaics, reproductions, and commissions for private and commercial clients. His works are held in private collections and architectural installations worldwide. He says: “My mosaic works are deeply influenced by my background in professional dance and theatre, infusing them with qualities of light, movement, and energetic visual dynamics. What drives me most is capturing and expressing these elements to create a visceral experience—an energy, a feeling, a mood, or inspiration. I leave ‘meaning’ to the viewer’s interpretation, avoiding dictation.”
About Mosaic & Glass masterclasses and workshops:
Nestled in Falkirk in the heart of Scotland, this new space will open in early 2025 and be run by Mosaic & Glass magazine editor and mosaicist Rhona Duffy. It will offer the perfect setting for mosaic and glass enthusiasts to immerse themselves in hands-on learning in a welcoming and well-equipped environment. Designed for comfort and creativity, the space will be thoughtfully arranged to accommodate both mosaic and glass creators, making it an ideal venue for both beginners and seasoned makers to learn from visiting tutors from across the world. The venue is located in Central Falkirk, with free on-street parking nearby. It’s a five-minute walk from Grahamston Station, which is 30 minutes from Edinburgh and Glasgow by train. It has train routes heading to the north of Scotland too. With plenty of accommodation options and eateries nearby, students can easily settle in for multi-day workshops, and its central location makes it a convenient gateway for exploring Scotland’s rich cultural and scenic attractions, turning every visit into both an educational and inspirational journey. Look out for pictures of the new space coming in early 2025. Plus keep an eye on our social media for progress updates!
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