How to Create Textures & Patterns in Designs

Create a texture drawing using the repetition of circle shapes.

Texture and pattern is depicted in art forms by the repetition of a specific line, shape or movement. Texture in a two-dimensional piece of art provides the viewer a sense of how the object feels in the real world. Adding texture to a three-dimensional piece of art provides a tactical quality to the surface. Begin the journey into texture design by completing a two-dimensional drawing.

Instructions

1. Place a 9-inch by 12-inch piece of white drawing paper on a flat, smooth work surface.

2. Place a yogurt container lid or other round object you can trace in the center of the drawing paper. Trace around the outside edge of the lid. Move the lid to another location on the paper and trace around the lid. Continue to trace around the lid and cover the entire paper with circles. Stop tracing around the circle when your pencil comes to a drawn line from another circle. Several circles will overlap others.

3. Select a circle that is complete. Draw small V's around the edge of the circle making sure each V touches. Draw a second row of small V's above the first. Continue repeating the pattern until the entire circle is filled. This creates the look of feathers. The repetition of the V's within the given area creates a pattern.

4. Select a second circle. Draw small X's around the edge of the circle making sure each X touches. Draw a second row of small X's above the first. Continue repeating the pattern until the entire circle is filled. This creates the feel of the roughness of diamonds.

5. Repeat the process of Step 3 and 4 in the remaining circles and partial circles. Use the repetition of a different line or shape in each circle and partial circle to create a different pattern and a texture in each confined area.

   Note: Other lines and shapes to try include wavy lines, zigzag lines, straight lines, crisscross lines, dots, small circles, smiles, frowns, teardrops and ovals. Look at each circle and partial circle to decide what type of texture the repetition of the shape creates in the design.

References

• Getty: Understanding Formal Analysis
• John Lovett: Design and Colour