Drawing Andamenti and Tessellation for Mosaics

MKMosaics Studio
7750 Giusti Rd
forestville, CA 95436

Drawing Andamenti and Tessellation for Mosaics

Daily-10am-4pm with 1 hr for lunch
(1st day may be a bit shorter)

Semi-private rate: $550

Private rate: $750

Register: kruzline@gmail.com

This course is appropriate for beginners.
This is an intensive course with an immersive schedule. Please note there is no opportunity to make up missed time.


My studio is a bit rustic. It is a gorgeous setting on a winery but is not a luxury facility.  For instance, the restroom is not attached to the building. It is a lovely restroom, but it is located in the winery’s office trailer which is approximately 120 ft away outside my studio and has stairs.

No drawing experience is necessary to take this class!

“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 andamenti, 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 more 2nd-nature and really pays off in the successful expression of mosaic work.

In this course students begin by learning the principles of classical andamento through brief lecture and by studying, tracing and following one of several classical or Byzantine mosaic choices offered.

From here, students learn how to apply andamento principles to an image which is not an existing mosaic, using classical and/or contemporary sized tessellation.

Finally, students explore and apply these principles to their own personal works. Students are asked to bring in their own designs, photos, or images to work with for this exercise. Figurative, realistic, and abstract images can work. 

This is a drawing workshop and no actual mosaics are made in class. Students go home with informative handouts and all drawings that they complete along with additional images for future practice at home.

This is a class 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 own mosaic voice. During class, we'll be busy learning together.  Outside of class, expect the joy and camaraderie that comes from being on a great learning journey together.

Ground Rules

Classroom Etiquette & Expectations

As adults and creatives, I believe we all thrive in an environment built on mutual respect, discipline, and shared purpose. I hold a strong commitment to classroom etiquette and basic professional courtesy—not to be rigid, but to ensure that our time together is productive, focused, and respectful of everyone’s efforts.

On Punctuality

Over many years of teaching, I’ve observed a recurring challenge: consistent, uncommunicated lateness. While a rare, unforeseen delay is completely understandable, habitual tardiness—especially without notice—is disruptive and inconsiderate, both to me as your instructor and to your fellow students.

In my own professional background, especially in the dance world, punctuality is non-negotiable. If you were late, you were often already replaced. That perspective has shaped how I run my classes. I start on time, and I do not go back to cover missed material. The beginning of class is when key concepts are introduced, and being present from the start matters.

If showing up on time is something you regularly struggle with, this may not be the right space for you. I’m being direct here because I want to set clear expectations and avoid misunderstandings later on.

What I Expect From You

    •    Arrive early whenever possible. A few minutes ahead of time shows respect for the group and allows you to settle in mentally and physically before we begin.

    •    Be present both in the morning and after lunch. These are often key teaching times, and I need your full attention then.

    •    Understand that repeated lateness—especially without communication—will likely result in a conversation, and possibly being asked not to return.

Professional Courtesy in the Space

    •    Phones should be on silent or vibrate. If you need to take a call, please step outside.

    •    Respect the space and each other—we may be working in tight quarters at times. Be kind, be aware, and look out for each other.

    •    Focus during class. While artistic communities thrive on dialogue and shared ideas, constant talking or social conversation during instruction can be distracting. I welcome collaboration and creative exchange, but please keep in-the-moment discussions brief and relevant. If you need frequent side conversation to stay engaged, this may not be the most suitable learning space.

Final Thought

This is a space for serious, committed learners—artists who are ready to show up with discipline, maturity, and curiosity. I’m here to guide and support your growth, but I also expect you to meet me halfway by honoring the structure that allows that growth to happen.

Let’s create a respectful, energized space where we can all do our best work.

Classes at MKMosaics Studio are kept to a maximum of 7 students at this time. To run, a class must have a minimum amount of 2-3 students unless it is a private course at a private rate.

Please do not delay in signing up. There are only 7 available spots for any course.
A rule of thumb is to be signed up at least 30 days before the course to facilitate acquiring necessary materials etc.
Many people come in from all over the United States for class and need to make travel arrangements.

Class is a go when the minimum amount of students sign up. 
If the minimum amount of students is not met one month before the course, I will contact any student signed up to ask if they would like to pay the “private” rate and keep the class as scheduled. If the single student does not wish this, the class will be canceled and they will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Tuition is refundable up to 30 days before the start of the class. 

Cancellations/refunds after 30 days prior will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Please get in touch with me at kruzline@gmail.com to make arrangements.

What Michael's students say...