

Roman mosaics - how to make them,
draw them, understand them.
For the main website go to www.romanmosaicworkshops.co.uk
"Don't just believe what I say - look at those mosaics and see them for yourself."
Have you ever stood before a Roman mosaic in a museum and wondered what made it so different from modern mosaics? Why does it have that distinctive flow and movement that seems almost alive?
The answer lies in six hidden rules that governed every single Roman mosaic across the empire - rules that virtually no one knows today.
Not academics. Not museum staff. Not even most mosaic artists.
But once you see these rules, you'll never look at a Roman mosaic the same way again.
For 22 years, I've done nothing but create Roman mosaics - from small details to complete villa floor reconstructions. I learned under Luciana Notturni at the Mosaic Art School in Ravenna, the only person I'd call a true master of Roman mosaic reproduction.
Through thousands of hours laying tesserae the Roman way, I discovered something extraordinary: every Roman mosaic follows the same six rules. These weren't written in ancient texts - they were embedded in the work itself, passed down through the hands of craftspeople who understood something we've forgotten.
This isn't academic theory. This is practical knowledge gained by actually doing the work.
✓ How Romans achieved flow - using consistent size and spacing so lines read clearly and movement feels natural
✓ How curves were formed - by shaping keystones instead of triangles to keep direction smooth
✓ How lines interacted - merging, splitting, and tapering without breaks or gaps
✓ How depth was created - through offset joints and subtle tilts that stopped the work from looking flat
✓ How shapes were defined - by setting borderlines that softened color changes and kept figures clear
✓ How to see the craftsperson's hand - spotting the small details that reveal how they worked and thought
• Create your own "crib boards" showing correct and incorrect line-setting • Select suitable tesserae for authentic Roman techniques
• Understand when rules were applied - and when they were deliberately bent • Think like the original mosaicists as you work
"As a complete novice with no previous background in mosaic, I naturally felt I may not have the knowledge or practical experience that would be required. I couldn't have been more wrong and I was put at ease immediately. Lawrence takes his time to explain everything in depth and is always open to questions. His knowledge is second to none and his dedication and enthusiasm is incredible. These workshops are for anyone with an interest in Roman mosaic." - Phil
After this training, you'll walk into any museum and immediately spot these rules in action. You'll see the sophisticated system behind what looks like simple decoration. You'll understand why Roman mosaics have that unmistakable quality that modern mosaics lack.
Most importantly, you'll think like those original craftspeople - not in some mystical way, but in the very practical way that comes from understanding their methods.
As my teacher in Ravenna told me: "Mosaic work is very easy, how good you get is down to how many you do." This training gives you the foundation that makes everything else possible.
No experience needed. You can participate with just paper and pen, or gather simple materials (board, glue, tiles, nippers) if you want to create physical examples.
You'll receive the "Read Roman Mosaics" guide beforehand to start practicing your new vision, plus downloadable patterns to continue learning after the session.
🎯 Live 1-hour training with full interaction and Q&A
🎯 Recording access - join future sessions at no extra cost
🎯 "Read Roman Mosaics" pdf guide sent when you book
🎯 Two downloadable patterns to continue your learning with after the course
🎯 Free community access with special area for course graduates
🎯 Personal feedback on your work if you choose to share it
🎯 All materials lists and information
8th November 2025 10am UK time
22nd November 2025 4pm UK time
3rd January 2026 10am UK time
After selecting your date, you'll receive email confirmation and your materials will be delivered over several emails, starting with the "Read Roman Mosaics" guide so you can begin practicing immediately.
Once you see these rules, you can't unsee them. Every Roman mosaic becomes a conversation with craftspeople from 2,000 years ago. You'll spot details that speak volumes about their lives, their methods, their incredible skill.
This isn't just about making mosaics - it's about connecting with the hidden wisdom of ancient craftspeople.
The rules are there, waiting in every Roman mosaic. I'm just showing you how to see them.
Don't just believe what I say - look at those mosaics and see them for yourself.
Transform your vision of Roman mosaics forever. The ancient craftspeople are waiting to share their secrets.
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.