A stained glass portrait

I was given this black and white photo as a mosaic commission subject, and the client wanted stained glass in particular, to keep as close as possible to the original and keep the details and impression as much as possible. The challenge was to try and make this as elegant and smooth as possible whilst still giving the artpiece a mosaic fragmented look.

I started with the eyes, placing my tesserae on a sticky film of transparent plastic overlaid side up onto the photo. This is double reverse technique. I prefer this technique for detailed mosaics, and when the front and back of the tiles or mosaic pieces are not the same colour. Once the mosaic is completed, I cover it with kraft paper glued on with a temporary glue made of flour and water. When the kraft is dry and the mosaic can be moved, I flip it over, remove the sticky tape, and apply the backing board, previously covered with a layer of tile adhesive. Once this is dry, I flip the mosaic again and remove the kraft paper, unveiling the finished mosaic, which can then be cleaned, grouted as necessary and framed, if wanted.