Orbs on Parade with Joan Schwartz
Learn the most achievable techniques for creating 3D Orbs
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Mosaic Arts Online presents “Orbs on Parade with Joan Schwartz.” In this online course Joan shares her favorite and most successful tips, tricks, and techniques for creating her colorful and whimsical orbs. This course is for any level and will give you instant gratification.
Joan starts her course with a powerpoint presentation. She then discusses how she got started creating her orbs and where she finds her inspiration. Throughout the presentation she shares a wide variety of examples of her orbs. Each one is created based on what she sees in nature and in her life.
After the presentation you will be introduced to all the tools and materials Joan uses to create her orbs. She will start with what type of orb substrate works best, the appropriate adhesives for a 3D shape, her favorite tools, as well as a variety of tesserae for creating your own personalized orb.
Joan will show in detail how to prep the orb and she gives options for each orb’s sitting position which creates certain tilts and juxtapositions. Once you have your orb prepped you will be on your way to creating your own personalized work. The sky's the limit for creating all types of orbs. The orbs Joan teaches and creates in this course are designed for interior display.
Joan shares a detailed list of suggested tools, materials, and resources to get started.
Your Instructor
Joan Schwartz: Mosaic Artist and Advocate
Raised in an innovative household, Joan nurtured her passion for creation from
a young age. Initially embarking on a career as a pediatric nurse, she always prioritized art alongside her professional and familial responsibilities while raising three children. For over the past 20 years, she has focused on mixed media mosaics, seeking out training from top mosaic artists from across the globe.
Joan’s skillfully crafted works reflect her deep appreciation for life, children and well-being. Through her artistry, she supports organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, and others, each of which are committed to aiding children with life-threatening illnesses.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Joan plays a vital role in promoting mosaics in the Detroit area and beyond. She coordinates mosaic exhibitions and invites esteemed instructors from the U.S. and abroad to share their expertise.
Joan currently is a member of SAMA (Society of American Mosaic Artists), MAANZ (Mosaic Artists of Australia and New Zealand), the Detroit Artist Market and the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center.
Most recently Joan was instrumental in hosting the 2017 and 2024 SAMA conferences, which attracted nearly 400 mosaic artists to the “the D”. (Detroit)
Joan is a two time past ArtPrize participant, in Grand Rapids, Michigan and her work has been juried into the highly competitive Mosaic Arts International numerous times. Her art is also on display in Australia.
Course Curriculum
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StartIntro and personal interview with Joan and Tami (8:26)
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StartPDF for Download. Suggested Tools, Materials, and Resources
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StartOrbs on Parade PowerPoint Presentation (11:54)
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StartIntroduction to materials (4:24)
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StartPrepping the orb substrate (5:23)
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StartHow to display the orbs (4:30)
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StartJoan's favorite adhesives (10:49)
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StartHow to apply the beads (9:21)
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StartExecuting the design (9:04)
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StartAdding more colorful tesserae (10:39)
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StartAdding gold bling (10:28)
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StartAdding ball and chain (9:46)
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StartTips for adding tesserae to the bottom section (5:18)
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StartAdding more tesserae to the bottom of the orb (0:59)
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StartCompleting the top of the orb Part 1 (10:15)
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StartCompleting top of the orb Part 2 (1:15)
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StartGrouting Part 1 (2:43)
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StartGrouting Part 2 (11:05)
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StartGrouting Part 3 (2:21)
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StartAdding final details (3:54)
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StartFinal wrap up! (0:40)