Eilidh Muldoon - Creative Pattern Art

Patterns are all around us! From the symmetrical shapes of a butterflys wing, to the geometric designs of a city skyline, patterns always draw the eye. This book is full of bright ideas, helpful tips, and sneaky tricks for making your own patterns. To create your own pattern art, youll need Draw guidelines on the page in pencil to help you structure your pattern, then erase them when youre finished. When youre happy with your design, ink it over in pen. Think about different layouts before you draw a repeating pattern: 1) Repeating 2) Symmetrical 3) Half-drop repeat 4) Tessellating 5) Alternating 6) Random Some of the patterns in this book might look complicated, but dont be daunted! Just break them down into simple shapes, such as spirals, squares, lines, and circles. Lets set off on a pattern world tour! Every culture on Earth has its own art style. Lets set off on a pattern world tour! Every culture on Earth has its own art style.

In this chapter, well take inspiration from just a few of them.

Explore the hidden meanings of patterns, such as those found in Aboriginal Australian art! Discover how pattern art can teach us about nature and how people used to live. Check out some Native American tribes that use patterns to tell stories! Build up a pattern by drawing many rows of varied lines like this Use orange to create a zigzag line. These yellow triangles have smaller ones within them. Red chevron lines look great over two rows. Create more complex patterns by combining rows of zigzags. Celtic knots have been used by northern Europeans to create patterns for hundreds of years. Celtic knots have been used by northern Europeans to create patterns for hundreds of years.

Notice how theres no beginning or end to these mystical shapes! 1) Use a grid of dots to help you draw this knot. Pencil in the dots, so that you can erase them later. 2) Draw an arch to connect four of your dots, like this. 3) Now mirror the arch, linking four dots in the other direction. 4) Create an arch going from bottom left, across the middle, down to bottom right. 6) Ink over the outline of your knot, being careful to notice which lines run in front of others.

Sugar skulls are decorations used to celebrate the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico. Sugar skulls are decorations used to celebrate the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico.

The Day of the Dead festival is held to remember people who have passed away. Simple skull shapes are decorated with flowers. The pattern is usually symmetrical. Try grouping these flower patterns together to fill skull shapes. Use vines to link your flowers.

One style of Aboriginal Australian art is created using dots. One style of Aboriginal Australian art is created using dots.

The patterns of dots have special meanings for the artist. Set aside some markers with rounded tips, which will print good dots. Will your dots create a line, an arch, or a zigzag? Group different styles of dots together. Use fine lines to outline your dots. Use your dots and lines to create patterns inside recognizable shapes.

These distinctive teardrop-shaped patterns originate in India and the Middle East.

They are often used on fabrics. Another name for this print is paisley. 1) Start with two teardrop shapes, one inside the other. 2) Add decorations inside the shape. Try flowers and circles. 4) Try doodling different designs inside each teardrop.

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