Pattern is the regular repetition of elements like line, shape, color, or texture in an artwork. Patterns can be regular, with predictable repetition, or irregular, with unpredictable changes. Patterns are found everywhere in nature and are commonly used by artists. The document provides examples of patterns in artworks, including the repetition of figures, lines, shapes, and colors that create patterns in paintings by Barrington Watson, Claude Monet, and Piet Mondrian.

1. Principle of Art and Design:
by
Bernard E. Richardson
Master Teacher|Art Educator|2022

2. What is Pattern?
• The elements (line, shape, colour and texture) are used repeatedly in an art work.
• Pattern is the regular arrangement of repeated elements (line, shape, colour
and texture) or motifs.
• Patterns can be planned or done at random to enhance a work of art.
Principle of Art… PATTERN

3. • Patterns are either REGULAR or IRREGULAR.
Regular Patterns
• In regular patterns the motif (or motifs)
is repeated in a way that is predictable.
Irregular Patterns
• In an irregular pattern the motif changes
or the way it is repeated is unpredictable.
• Patterns are every where, they create visual excitement and draw your eye into
the artwork or design.
Principle of Art… PATTERN

4. a. NATURAL – they are patterns formed in the natural world.
b. MAN MADE – they are patterns formed by creating decorative designs.
• Patterns occur often in nature, from the leaves on a tree, shells
and rocks and animals and flowers have pattern.
Principle of Art… PATTERN
• Artists also create patterns using similar repeated motifs.
• There are TWO basic types of Pattern:
• As mentioned Pattern is created by repeating the elements of Art in
Nature and within an Artwork. The following are examples:

5. In Nature
Patterns of Colour
Man made
Principle of Art… PATTERN

6. In Nature
Patterns of Shape
Man made
Principle of Art… PATTERN

7. In Nature
Patterns of Line
Man made
Principle of Art… PATTERN

8. In Nature
Patterns of Texture
Man made
Principle of Art… PATTERN

9. Patterns in Artwork
In this painting by Barrington Watson pattern is
created using:
• The young ladies lined up along the shore line;
• The lines created from the reflection of their
legs on the sand;
• They are all wearing the same colour dress
except for the little girl in the back;
• On the sand the curved lines created from the
ripples of the breaking waves also form a
pattern.
BARRINGTON WATSON
“Sunset at the Beach #1”
Oil on canvas
28 in x 40 in (71 cm x 101 cm)

10. In this artwork there are subtle patterns throughout
the composition. Pattern is created with:
• the vertical strokes for trees and plants,
• the horizontal strokes and oval shapes for waterlilies
and flowers,
• the inherent pattern of the bridge,
• the dance between water and water lilies.
CLAUDE MONET
The Water lily pond and Japanese Bridge
Oil on Canvas
35.2 in x 36.4 in (89.5 cm x 92.5 cm)
1899
Patterns in Artwork

11. In this painting by Piet Mondrian pattern is
created with:
• the repeated use of geometric shapes
(squares and rectangles),
• the use of colour as well as
• vertical and horizontal lines to create the
artwork.
PIET MONDRIAN
Composition with red, blue and yellow
Oil on Canvas
17.8 in x 17.8 in (45 cm x 45 cm)
1930
Patterns in Artwork