ArtistsNetwork.com 29PRINCIPLE 3:
PATTERN/REPETITION
Pattern refers to the repetition of
color or shapes within a composition.
This repetition brings unity to the
piece. One great way to balance areas
with large dominant shapes is to
incorporate a patterned textile into
the composition. In Moon and Star
(above), by Carol Broman, the pattern
of embroidered stars on the cloth
(and its reflection in the jug) carries
the eye through the piece. It also
echoes the starfish shape, helping to
tie all the elements together.
The texture of brushstrokes can act
as a pattern as well. In his painting
Fish with White Onions (right), Travis
Schlaht creates a texture in the upper
right background that feels like an
organic pattern. This helps balance
the nontextural objects such as the
red pepper, onions and fish.
Too much pattern can confuse
viewers, not letting them know where
you want them to look. Too much flat,
open area can do the same thing, so I
always try to balance flat, open areas
with patterned/textural areas.
TOP
Moon and Star
by Carol Broman
2010; oil on linen, 14x18
COURTESY OF THE ARTISTABOVE
Fish with White Onions
by Travis Schlaht,
2010; oil on linen, 12x16
COURTESY OF THE ARTIST