Pattern in art is one of the fundamental principles of design that artists apply to create visually appealing, meaningful works. Patterns are instinctive elements of art that attract the viewer, ranging from traditional structures to designs used in textiles, pottery and abstract shapes. Patterns have always been an essential part of an artist's toolkit.
They have been present since the earliest forms of art created in ancient times. Recognising patterns is a fundamental skill for humans; both humans and animals can apply patterns to visual images, sounds, and smells, and this ability helps us understand our environments.
What is Pattern in Art?
Patterns provide a visually engaging way to play with elements of colour, line, and shape. It can be applied to an artwork to convey emotion and a message. The pattern is found throughout art history in various forms and media, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, and textiles.
Some of the most historically significant examples of patterns in art include the stained glass windows of medieval structures, the geometric patterns of Aboriginal dot paintings, the patterns on Ancient Greek pottery, and William Morris' print designs.
Some of the earliest cave artworks depict lions on the walls of Lascaux Cave, which is over 20,000 years old. Additionally, patterns can be found in the cord markings on pottery created around 10,000 years ago. Throughout history, patterns have been an integral part of architecture.
Many artists have incorporated patterns into their work over the centuries, whether purely for decorative purposes or to symbolise recognisable objects, such as woven baskets or pyramids.
Most such works based on patterns can be divided into two categories: geometric and organic. Geometric patterns are symmetrical and can be found in many traditional art forms. Art Deco pattern is known for its precise and clear lines, geometric shapes and decoration – these patterns are implemented on the surface or attached to a structure.
However, in the later period of the Art Deco movement, the patterns were characterised by their curving forms and long, horizontal lines.
Organic patterns are less structured and tend to be more flowing or irregular in shape. Examples of organic patterns include natural shapes such as stars, leaves, flowers, fabric or clouds.
Pattern Definition in Art
Pattern definition in art: A pattern is an arrangement of repeated parts or decorative designs. In order to get a pattern, we must repeat something in such a way that the repetition becomes noticeable. From intricate patterns found in nature, such as leaves, to simplistic patterns within the windows of a home, patterns can be discovered everywhere around us.
Pattern definition in art: Patterns in art refer to the repetition and ordered arrangement; they are created by arranging shapes, lines, and forms in such a way that the art elements repeat. The part of the pattern that repeats is known as a motif.
Patterns can either be natural or man-made. Not only the shapes and forms we see in patterns, but also the way the design elements are arranged to create a pattern, can impact the overall composition and aesthetic of the piece.
Simple, Easy Pattern in Art
Some of the simple, easy patterns in art are -
- Shape Patterns are based on a sequence that uses geometric shapes to create a design.
- Letter Patterns use letters instead of numbers or shapes.
- A number Pattern is a sequence of numbers that follows a certain rule of arrangement.
Ways Of Arranging Patterns
The two main types of patterns that occur naturally or artificially (deliberately) are described as "natural" and "man-made". These types of patterns can be arranged in symmetric, asymmetric, geometric, organic, regular, or irregular sequences. Furthermore, patterns can appear as tiles, waves, spirals, curls, loops, crisscrosses, rows, lines, zigzags, florals, dots, blocks, and much more.
Geometric patterns are made from geometric shapes that are defined in mathematics (for instance, circles, triangles, squares, hexagons and rhombuses).
Artworks consist of only man-made patterns, even if these patterns are inspired by the repetition and symmetry the artist has seen in nature. Natural patterns are just patterns we find in nature.
An example of a natural pattern could be in the spirals of a sunflower head. Natural formations come in different scales, where we can see repetition in colours, shapes and lines. These fractals can be observed in snowflakes, seawater fish movement, leaf veins, and tree branches. Patterns have inspired artists in nature, and they continue to get inspiration from them.
Colours can be applied to create patterns, ranging from monochromatic to multicoloured designs. They can be arranged to form shapes such as circles, squares, or rectangles, evoke different feelings and ideas, serve decorative purposes, or even transcend the boundaries of figurative art.
The Colour Field Painting movement, a part of Abstract Expressionism, exemplifies how large areas of colour can create patterns in art. Colour is often considered the primary subject matter of a painting, and it can be combined with various shapes. Additionally, colours are frequently applied to "flat" surfaces, which are typically described as "large fields" of colour.
Pattern In Art Ideas with Examples
An example of how the pattern in artwork is created through brushstrokes and texture can be found in the popular "Starry Night" (1889) painting by Vincent van Gogh.
The brushstrokes create a dynamic pattern, with the sky, landscape, and the looming cypress tree in the left foreground all appearing similar.
Pollock's Autumn Rhythm (Number 30) (1950) illustrates paint drips that intertwine, move in various directions, and create an irregular pattern.
One can see ancient Greek pottery, depicting a multitude of mythological stories. For instance, the Fran̤ois Vase (ca. 570 Р565 BCE) was painted by the Athenian known as Kleitias, and the potter was Ergotimos. The vase was discovered by the archaeologist Alessandro Fran̤ois, in honour of whom it was named.
It features various mythological narratives, portraying gods and heroes, all arranged in a decorative band known as "friezes." Although the friezes depict different events surrounding the vase, they still create a rare, cohesive pattern.
An example of how a pattern in artwork from the Colour Field Painting art style is seen in Shoot (1964) by Kenneth Noland, where he uses an inverted triangular shape consisting of four bands of colour to create geometric patterns.
Another artist worth mentioning is William Morris, who was the pioneer of the art movement in England during the 1800s applied medieval-style art; and some of his designs included wallpaper patterns such as the Larkspur Wallpaper (1874), Acanthus Wallpaper (1875) and Sunflower Wallpaper (1879); he reportedly created over 50 designs. Each design features floral and related motifs, appearing natural with its repeated curvatures and curls.
Types Of Patterns in Art
There are many types of patterns in art used by artists. An artist can use colour to highlight a pattern, repeat or select a palette of colours, and use lines to form patterns.
Patterns can be created into shapes -geometric (as in mosaics and tessellations) or natural (floral) patterns in art. Patterns can also be seen in an entire series of works.
Some types of patterns in art are given below –
Natural Patterns – Nature has patterns in every structure, from the leaves on a tree to the various organisms. The structures repeat, and there are countless patterns. These are not based on standard rules, and they are not often uniform; however, some designs incorporating natural elements are often found in specific, distinct and regular shapes.
Human-Made Patterns: Human-made patterns strive for perfection, or they can flow. Measured and calculated lines or shapes can be used to create patterns. Floral patterns can be used where flowers and vines may not replicate. The artists use their imagination to depict the repetition of design elements, creating a pattern.
Irregular Patterns in Art: Viewers like to see patterns, but there are some patterns which are broken, irregular, or modified to create an illusion. The uncertainty of the pattern is used to create an illusion. For example, in M.C. Escher's work, "Day and Night" (1938), the checkerboard pattern is applied, transforming into flying white birds.
Pattern In the Principles of Art
Pattern is an important principle that all artists should be familiar with, as it enables them to produce dynamic and engaging works. The principles of art are evident in almost all artworks across various styles and genres. It is any arrangement, repetition, or sequence that you find in art. Art patterns are created in a plethora of ways, and they differ in style, shape, colour, and other elements.
There are seven principles of art, and these principles overlap with each other as they are all closely tied and complement each other. In any art piece, some of the given pattern principles can be seen -
1. Balance
2. Harmony
3. Unity
4. Pattern
5. Repetition
6. Rhythm
7. Contrast
8. Emphasis
9. Variety
10. Movement
11. Scale and Proportion
Pattern And Repetition in Art
Rhythm is created when one or more elements of design are used to suggest movement. It uses repeated elements to create a path for the viewers' eyes to follow. It is like the beat of a song, based on repetition to create a stable rhythm. Rhythm in art uses repetition to create a mood and flow.
Repetition is rather clear -all it needs are repeated elements, and many different types of rhythm can be added to an artwork. There are five types of rhythm in art: regular rhythm, flowing rhythm, progressive rhythm, alternating rhythm, and random rhythm.
How do Rhythm and Repetition Compliment Each Other?
Rhythm and repetition work together in learning design principles. Typically, rhythm is established through repeated elements. Without rhythm, repetition in art can seem monotonous and devoid of emotion.
Some examples of Rhythm and Repetition –
Regular rhythm - An example of regular rhythm in art can be seen in the work of Dutch artist Piet Mondrian's "Composition II in Red, Blue, and Yellow." The painting features a balanced arrangement of horizontal and vertical lines, as well as blocks of primary colours. The black lines and colours are repeated in a regular pattern, creating a sense of order and calm.
Flowing rhythm - Flowing rhythm can be seen in Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night."
Progressive rhythm: The painting "Composition VIII" by Wassily Kandinsky illustrates the concept of progressive rhythm in art. It is an abstract work; the viewer's eye is drawn along a series of shapes and forms that continuously evolve and build upon one another.
Alternating rhythm: An example of alternating rhythm in art is the print "Campbell's Soup Cans" by Andy Warhol, which has a grid of 32 canvases, each depicting a different flavour of Campbell's soup.
Random rhythm: An example of random rhythm in art is Mark Rothko's painting "No. 61 (Rust and Blue)". It shows abstract expressionism, where the artist composed a series of rectangular shapes in various hues of blue and rust, arranged in a seemingly random configuration.
4 Famous Pattern Artists
1- Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night(1889): Perhaps the most notable example of the pattern, with its swirling, dramatic lines, is Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night(1889).
2- Claude Monet's Japanese Bridge (1899)- There are subtle patterns throughout this painting: vertical strokes for trees and plants, horizontal strokes for waterlilies and flowers, the inherent pattern of the bridge, and the dance between water and water lilies. Monet designed and built the landscape that appears in the painting, from the bridge to the pond and its shape to the water lilies and other plantings. He was an expert impressionist who showed the spontaneity of directly observed works that captured the fleeting effects of light and colour.
3- M.C. Escher: Relativity lattice(1953) - M.C. Escher Space in Art work is based on symmetrical patterns. The most symmetric pattern is used for decorative purposes and generally creates a sense of order or balance in a composition. These patterns have been used in art for thousands of years, with evidence visible in the designs on Ancient Greek pottery. Symmetrical patterns relate to regular patterns; they are where the design element is arranged to create an imagined effect, which creates equal visual weight in different parts of the artwork. Escher used radial symmetry in his piece' Relativity Lattice'.
4- Charles Cottet, Rayons Du Soir, 1892- In the painting, there's a pattern in the repetitive shape and arrangement of the boats. Also, notice the subtle patterns in the water.
Irregular Patterns in Art
Asymmetric patterns are less structured and lack a mirror effect, creating instead an organic or flowing feel. These patterns appear more dynamic compared to regular patterns, which look more unified and balanced.
Irregular patterns are based on asymmetrical balance, for instance, Vincent van Gogh: Irises(1889). Irregular patterns, also called progressive patterns, are patterns in which the motif changes or repeats in a non-uniform way. The pattern has distinguishable recurring elements and motifs. However, these motifs may lack symmetry or systematic arrangement.
The Importance of Pattern in Art
From subtle background patterns to bold graphic designs, patterns can help create a sense of movement, depth and balance in an artwork.
By learning the best ways to use patterns, artists can enhance their work to the next level and create emotionally connecting and satisfying artwork.
Another reason artists use patterns in their work is to achieve repetition. Repetition in patterns can create a distinct style and even serve as a therapeutic means of self-expression.
Single shapes and objects can be used to create complex geometric patterns through both repetition and rotation. These patterns can help make another object more complex and interesting.
How Is Texture Different from Pattern?
The visual elements of art include line, shape, tone, colour, pattern, texture, and form. Just as with objects, the basic building blocks, such as a dot, can be utilised. Groups of dots of varying sizes, shapes, masses, and colours create the perception of surface activity. Additionally, lines and other forms can be used to create structures, patterns, and textures.
Pattern refers to the repetition of a design motif that humans find intriguing. People often search for patterns in artwork to uncover meaning or narratives. Patterns provide order and variety and can range from intricate to simple designs.
Texture, on the other hand, is characterised by its irregularity, conveying the impression of surface quality through light and dark areas. While patterns are orderly, textures have a more random arrangement, creating a sense of depth and complexity.
Both patterns and textures are crucial attributes that artists incorporate into their designs. Textures are defined by their irregular surface activity, and when objects are arranged in a random or varied way, they contribute to the overall texture of the artwork.
Artists can enhance planes and surfaces, as well as the whitespace surrounding their forms, by adding textures and patterns. This technique adds dimensionality, transforming flat planes into voluminous shapes.
What do the patterns on the wall panels seen above symbolise?
The wall panels can be adorned with a variety of geometric designs, including circles, diamonds, triangles, zigzag lines, and leaf patterns. They may also feature masks, dances, and songs that convey traditional stories and express important morals and values. These patterns symbolise the approach one takes during the initiation process, as well as the significance of the occasion and the related social practices.
How Are Patterns Used in Art?
Patterns are structures that possess a geometric quality. When objects are organised in a recognisable and repeatable manner, they create a pattern. In art, patterns are included in what are known as the seven principles of art. These principles serve as guidelines that help artists create visually appealing compositions in various forms of art, including paintings.
- It's key to remember that patterns are supporting elements. The content, style, and message of a pattern should enhance the message you want the element to convey.
- Patterns add richness and depth to a design. They can bring life and energy to areas of design that are often left blank, namely, whitespace.
- Patterns reflect the underlying structure of a design by organising the surfaces or objects in the composition.
- The message of a pattern may contradict the message of an element and combine to form a new message.
- Patterns must support your message, but design must not be overused. One must avoid too many patterns in a design, as it can make your design seem too decorative and push things to excess.
- Increasing the density of objects in a pattern leads to the pattern having a darker value.
Which Principle Applies When Elements Create a Pattern in A Work of Art?
The principle of repetition - A pattern is based on the principle of repetition of some form of visual element arranged in a certain fashion to produce a harmonious look. Artists can use the art patterns as a composition for their work, for decoration, or may make an entire art piece out of patterns. Created by using colour, lines, form, and shape as a subtle inclusion, a pattern can have a message.
How Do You Draw Patterns Step by Step?
The most basic ways for drawing design patterns are:
- Start with a simple shape
- Draw your Abstract pattern
- Draw the shapes
- Thicken the lines and add colour
- Keep building and filling the space inside the shapes.
How Artists Use Patterns?
Artists often exhibit consistent patterns throughout their body of work. The techniques, materials, methods, and subjects they choose can reveal a pattern over their lifetime, ultimately defining their signature style. Patterns can manifest in various elements, such as lines, shapes, and colours. Sometimes, simplicity can be more impactful, as subtle patterns can create a more effective visual appeal.
Throughout history, patterns have been a prominent feature in architecture. Many artists have incorporated decorative patterns into their work, either as embellishments or to represent recognisable objects, like woven baskets. When using patterns, artists strive to ensure that these elements create a cohesive appearance that complements the overall artwork.
They can repeat the elements - Shapes, Objects, Directions, Changes, Colours, Images, Brush marks, or use a Central point to get a unique style.
Some pattern drawing ideas that can be applied to the artwork are –
- Irregular patterns can create a busy, energetic effect or convey a sense of chaos if the irregularity is pronounced enough.
- Repeating irregular shapes or randomly placed rocks on a wall can give it a rough, organic appearance.
- Irregular directions, such as a tree branch extending in its unique way, form beautifully flowing patterns.
- Repeating irregular changes can evoke an abstract feeling.
Irregular central points can create interesting patterns. For example, circles may converge around a central point but still appear non-radial, resembling the spokes of a bicycle.
Irregular colours can be likened to tiles, while irregular images can result in unique patterns.
