Repetition, Pattern and Rhythm are three interrelated design concepts. They all depend to some degree on the contrasts between figure and ground (positive shape and negative space), and utilize the elements of art: line, shape, color, value, texture, and scale (relative size). They are used to create unity and difference and a sense of movement in a composition.

Here is one way of thinking about these concepts.

Watch these two short videos. Take notes in your sketchbook. Photograph your notes and post to your portfolio, submit link in OnCampus.

Rhythm and Pattern 

Rhythm and Pattern 2

Creating pattern can be quite complex, geometrical and formal as in the video you just watched, or quite simple. The example below is some simple patterns made from the single element of line. You can create similar patterns focusing on shape, color, texture or combinations of them.

Rhythm is the most involved and versatile concept, and also the hardest to explain. Rhythm can be: predictable and regular, alternating, flowing, random or a progression or gradation of elements. It is easier to understand rhythm when talking about music.

Take notes in your sketchbook, photograph and post to your portfolio. Submit the link in OnCampus.

Rhythm in Art

A general note:

Please make sure that you photograph and post your work in your e-portfolio.

Publish it then copy and paste the url link into the submit text box NOT the submit file box. Hit submit. This is the only way that I will accept work, unless you have mitigating circumstances and have made alternative arrangements with me.  

Choose ONE of the following options.

Option#1

Take a brief section of a favorite piece of music, and visually recreate its musical rhythm and patterns with abstract shape, color and line. Try to capture the feeling that the music evokes, in a visual design.

Use a separate 8.5x11” sheet or a page from your sketchbook and any medium or material you wish.  Indicate the name and the composer of the piece of music, and briefly describe why you like it.. Include an audio excerpt. Here’s a link on how to do it.

Add an audio track to your google site

Here is a link to an interesting (but not required) article on the artist Paul Klee and the relationship between his art and music

 Paul Klee Painting and Music

Option #2

On an 8.5x11” sheet of cardboard create an “all over” using the entire sheet. Make the pattern using only common objects in your home. Pay careful attention to shape, size, color and texture as you select your materials. Attach your objects securely to the cardboard base.

Option #3

"A pattern is the reflection of the essence of an object, a culture, a nation; its beauty is of that essence. "

Salvator - John A Liotta 

Patterns and Layering in Japanese Architecture

Pattern has been used by every culture from the earliest cave painting to contemporary art and design. Sometimes its use was purely decorative and other times it represents the deepest philosophical and religious world views.  Research the use of pattern from a culture or time period different from our own. Pick a culture that we you are interested in or that you have some connection to. Provide a brief summary of your research (about one decent length paragraph). Use your research as a starting point, to create a new original pattern, based on the style of the culture or time-period you chose. Create one or more motifs (for meaning of the word see below) based on your identity, and then create a pattern with them. Some ideas for your motifs could be: your  favorite things, important people, feelings or ideas you have, etc.Your motifs should be abstract or semi abstract, rather than representational (real). You can use any medium or material you wish.  

Use a separate 8.5x11” sheet or a page from your sketchbook.

*In art and iconography, a motif 

(pronunciation) (help·info)) is an element of an image. A motif may be repeated in a pattern or design, often many times, or may just occur once in a work.^[1]