ROMAN MOSAICS

Roman Mosaics 

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Roman Mosaics using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use earth tones (red orange brown black), shape variation (rectangle square diamond), and line types (horizontal vertical diagonal) inspired by Ancient Rome
• Use computer techniques (multitasking dragging transferring) and design principles (balance composition repetition) based on 1st Century Art Movements
• Define Mosaic (created by putting many small pieces of different colors in a design to make one picture or shape)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Mosaic with a Peacock and Flowers (3rd AD) Unknown
2. Read Mosaic of Greek and Roman World by Katherine MD Dunbabin
3. Discussion Questions "Did the Romans like art? What was Roman Architecture like? Is any Roman architecture still around? What was Roman engineering like? What were some Roman inventions? What was the Colosseum used for? What other forms of recreation did the ancient Romans enjoy? Why do we study ancient Rome? How were the Romans able to spread their culture? Does anyone know what this image is? Do you know why Romans are able to spread their culture? Do you know why Romans might have had it in their villas? What sort of house do these descriptions fit? What is Roman Art?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 9" X 9" Drawing Paper
2. Use basic shapes (rectangle, square, triangle) to lightly draw design with pencil in center of paper
3. Outline with black sharpie basic shapes (rectangle, square, triangle) of imagery of Roman Mosaics

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Roman Mosaics for Assigned Table
2. Geometric Mosaic (101-200) Unknown
3. Discussion Questions "What is Mosaic art? What do you notice about the mosaic art? How is it different from a painting? How is it similar? Does this mosaic remind you of anything you have seen before? How did artists make outdoor mosaics last? How did artists mosaic an outdoor patio floor, fountain, or birdbath? How did artists transfer and enlarge mosaic patterns? Where did artists find inspiration for patterns of mosaics? What can we learn from ancient forms of mosaic art?"  

Lesson Activities

1. Use earth tones (red orange brown) to fill in the positive space (plants, animals) of mosaic drawings
2. Use earth tones (red orange brown) to fill in the negative space (background) of mosaic drawings
3. Use colored squares to form a decorative border around the positive space (plants, animals) of mosaic drawing

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Roman Mosaics for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, construction paper, square paper cutter)

Lesson Activities

1. Use colored squares to form a decorative border around the negative space (background) of the mosaic drawing
2. Use highlights (reflective light, light source) to fill in positive space (plants, animals) of the mosaic drawing
3. Use shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to fill in the negative space (background) of the mosaic drawings

Artist Examples

Student Examples