Impressionist Mosaics

Unlike traditional mosaics which rely on differently colored material arranged in arbitrary configurations to make an image, impressionist mosaics are created by arranging square, homogeneously colored tiles in a grid-like, non-overlapped fashion, using the natural flaws and marbling in the tiles to create the impression of an image.

Using stones that are of relatively uniform color and texture (typically pre-cut natural gemstones such as jasper, marble, or amethyst), the resulting mosaics have a uniquely ethereal quality that distinguishes them from traditional processes. Since the technique uses uniformly cut stones, it does not require grouting. The work shown on the right was created by Roy Feinson using translucent carnelian. This particular impressionist mosaic mosaic—with the image only visible when lit from behind—is the only known example in existence.