
Roman mosaics - how to make them,
draw them, understand them.
For the main website go to www.romanmosaicworkshops.co.uk
You want to build a Roman mosaic—not just mess around with tiles.
But getting the lines, spacing, and structure right? That’s where most people get stuck.
This guide gives you a simple, hands-on way to apply the 6 core rules of Classical Andamento—so your lines flow, your design holds together, and your mosaic feels right.
Because this isn’t a book of theories.
It’s a hands-on field guide that shows you exactly how to apply the 6 core rules of Classical Andamento—the same ones used across every Roman mosaic from the 1st to the 6th century.
You won’t just learn what the rules are. You’ll see how to use them as you work—so your lines flow, your spacing holds, and your mosaic comes to life the way it was meant to.
Whether you’ve got a pattern ready or just want to start with structure, this guide gives you clarity without overwhelm. It’s built for makers, not scholars.
If you want to build your mosaic the right way—and stop second-guessing every piece—start here.
This guide was deliberately kept short so you can use it—not just read it.
Every page is packed with practical detail, visual examples, and clear steps. No fluff. No filler. Just the exact guidance you need to apply Classical Andamento with confidence.
It’s not about length. It’s about how quickly you can go from second-guessing to building your mosaic the right way.
You’ve got the patterns. Now get the structure that brings them to life.
Grab the guide and build your mosaic with confidence.
What previous customers have said;
Pattern commission
Recently I had a client who wanted a custom commission incorporating several Roman mosaic patterns. Since my training is not in the geometry of these specialized motifs, I went directly to the Master Lawrence Payne.
Lawrence saved me weeks of work trying to figure out and design these patterns on my own. He has spent years upon years studying these specialized techniques and actually designed the patterns specifically to the tesserae size I was using.
Though I haven’t yet found the time to study with him, I highly recommend taking advantage of his expertise gleaned from years of study, trial and error. Through his years of investment he’s already made the mistakes and adjustments to these techniques for you and passes this directly on to you. He is the Master!
Michael J Kruzich
Mosaicist
Learn Roman Mosaics series manual August 2019
I so enjoyed working on the one I had tiles for. The instruction book in itself was worth the money I spent. I spent 200AU on a mosaic class and didn’t learn most of what was in that book.
Museum Guide
Lawrence Payne, I just read your e-book about Roman Mosaics--I learned so much! I love the clarity of the explanations, drawings and images--it is a treasure! I'm so glad I signed up for your newsletter!
Lawrence Payne
Who is Lawrence Payne?
Ever since I started this journey in 2002 I have been constantly looking for evidence of how those ancient mosaicists worked. I've gone over the mosaics and in making copies I feel I have a greater understanding of those craftsmen. Now I want to give you the chance to do this work for yourself.
Making small mosaics is no different from working on a full floor, you use the same method, the same outlook.