Perspective in Mosaic Art with Darcel Deneau
Learn two point perspective while adding depth and dimension to your work
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Have you ever wondered how to create a mosaic with perspective? Are you curious how to use mosaic materials to create a building or a scene that has depth and dimension? If you have always wanted to learn how to make a mosaic with these techniques, then we have the course for you.
Darcel Deneau has brought her signature techniques and methods for using stained glass to create a two-point perspective mosaic. Darcel walks you through this process step-by-step from beginning to end. She shares all of her tips and tricks for making this an achievable project for any level of artist.
In this course you will learn:
- The best angle for your image
- How to identify and draw horizon lines and vanishing points
- How to scale any image
- How to draw the image on a grid for proper proportions
- How to choose a color palette with stained glass
- How to cut specific shapes of glass to create perspective
- Simplifying techniques while still creating a realistic image
- How to use color and values to add depth and dimension
- How to add foliage that looks full and ground cover that looks flat
Darcel’s experience as a trained fine art painter and her extensive mosaic art work of Detroit’s urban landscapes make her one of the best artists and instructors for this style of art. She will completely demystify how to translate an image that has a two-point perspective into a stained glass mosaic.
Once you have learned Darcel’s techniques, you will have the confidence to move beyond the single structure, and take on more complex depictions including parks, street scenes, or other images with depth and perspective.
Included in this course is a PDF for download of the suggested tools, materials, and resources. Darcel has also included the image she used for this course as well as many of her other works for inspiration.
"I’m busy practicing my perspective drawing before jumping in on a mosaic piece. It was so helpful to watch you work. Thanks for a informative class to advance my skills." Jane S.
Your Instructor
Adversity illuminated the importance of art for Darcel Deneau and without hesitation she redirected her life’s journey in pursuit of painting. In 2002, she earned a BFA from the College for Creative Studies. A native Detroiter, Deneau has been intrigued with painting images of the city for several years. In the last few years Darcel has transitioned her Detroit Landscapes into a new painting medium by painting with tiny bits of glass to create mosaic landscapes.
The switch to mosaics has proved to be a positive move earning her a prestigeous Kresge Arts in Detroit Fellowship Award this year and last year a Best in Show Award at the Anton Arts Center in Mount Clemens, Michigan in their Michigan Fine Art Competition juried by Detroit Institute of Arts Curator, Salvador Salort-Pons.
Deneau works daily in her studio and is actively involved in the Detroit art community. She has served as chairman of the board for the Detroit Artists Market, (DAM), and since has been elected as a member of the honorary board. Additionally, she is a member of the alumni council for the College for Creative Studies, (CCS). Since graduating nineteen years ago she has produced an impressive body of work, exhibited in numerous juried and curated exhibitions, including 13 solo exhibitions.
Deneau has earned a notable reputation for her Detroit landscapes and has been pursued for many commissions, including the 28th Detroit International Jazz Festival poster artwork, a large-scale Detroit landscape for the Hudson-Weber Foundation and a 29’ x 7’ mural for Garage Restaurant and Fuel Bar, in Northville, Michigan.
Deneau’s work has been widely collected by private collectors as well as corporate venues. Most recently, TCF purchased and installed a large mosaic for their permanent collection, which reflects a broad cross-section of art and artists from, and around, Detroit.
Course Curriculum
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StartIntro and Personal Interview with Darcel and Tami (5:32)
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StartPDF for download. Suggested tools, materials, and resources
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StartOverview on perspective and Darcel's art (1:38)
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StartVisual overview of tools and materials (2:41)
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StartChoosing the proper image (1:42)
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StartLesson on horizon lines and vanishing points (3:26)
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StartScaling image from photo to work surface (2:35)
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StartDrawing grid to work surface (2:41)
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StartDrawing image onto substrate (6:56)
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StartContinuation drawing image on substrate (12:44)
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StartEvaluate drawing and image to keep perspective (9:09)
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StartUsing colored pencils for shadows and shading (11:09)
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StartDrawing in horizon line and perspective on 3D objects (2:35)
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StartHow to create a walkway with the vanishing points (1:25)
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StartChoosing your glass palette (9:12)
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StartCutting the glass, adding personal items (11:35)
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StartTechniques for cutting specific shapes (6:09)
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StartTake photos of your mosaic to study the depth perception (4:48)
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StartDon't be afraid to simplify your mosaic from your image (2:24)
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StartChoosing glass color options for shading and highlights (8:39)
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StartChoosing specific colors of glass for reflections and dimension (4:30)
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StartDarcel discusses the progression of the mosaic (6:09)
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StartContinue to use the vanishing point to create perspective (2:54)
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StartCutting the glass shapes to create the plane (5:37)
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StartPerspective of plants and stairs in front of house (4:16)
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StartCutting glass for foliage (18:14)
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StartLaying in a tree behind the foliage (8:14)
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StartChoosing glass for walkways and ground cover (5:16)
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StartReplace pieces if they are not working (6:16)
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StartCutting large pieces for movement on the ground (3:46)
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StartChoosing glass for more ground cover and water (3:18)
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StartWeaving in colors for natural flow of ground cover and adding window glass (6:38)
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StartCreating the birch tree (4:51)
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StartDarcel's technique for cutting the glass for the sky (5:37)
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StartFitting the glass for the sky behind the structure and foliage (2:13)
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StartOverview and wrap up (1:28)
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StartBONUS: Variety of Darcel's work for inspiration