One thing a lot of people just starting to learn meditative drawing always ask is "how do I do all those super detailed patterns?" Here are some step-by-step drawing pattern ideas to help get you started. The Yarn BallI call this "The Yarn Ball" because it looks like a ball of yarn when you do it inside a circle. Start with a few diagonal lines, then draw a few more diagonal lines perpendicular to those. Keep doing that until you are satisfied with the results. The WaffleThis design looks like the inside of a waffle. First, draw a grid with large or medium boxes. Then draw a small boarder inside each square. Lastly, draw diagonal lines in each box, alternating direction. The Basket WeaveThis is a great design if you are drawing a basket, or any kind of weave. Draw a grid with smaller squares. Then draw horizontal lines in every other square, and vertical lines in the remaining squares. Candy MountainThis is called candy mountain, because it has a fun, whimsical feeling and includes a line design that looks like a mountain peak. Start by drawing thick vertical or horizontal lines. In the each space create the mountain peak design with one dot in the center of the bottom of each peak. Then draw horizontal, vertical or diagonal lines in the top of each peak. Pile 'O Rainbows Variation 1This design can take many forms. It is easy to create several tiny designs within the arches. Start by drawing a small arch, with two more arches on top. Next to that, draw another set of three arches. After you have created all your arches, draw straight parallel lines under the first of each arch. Next draw zig-zags under the next arch. Lastly, draw small pebble-sized circles under all the biggest arches. Metal PanelsThis design has robot texture. It takes a bit of time, but the affect makes it worth it in the end. Draw horizontal lines. Cross more lines at a slight angle. Create a wavy border in the middle of each trapazoid shape. Draw one vertical line in the center of each shape. Draw diagonal lines mirroring each other on either side of the vertical lines. Gem Stone Variation 1This design looks almost like a precious gem. Similar to the first design, start by drawing a few diagonal lines parallel to each other. Draw more diagonal lines perpendicular to those. In every other section, draw zig-zags with a small dot in the center of each triangle. In the other sections, draw several horizontal parallel lines. Kites and StonesThe tiny circles and diamond shapes give the apperance of kites lined in a row on a bunch of tiny stones. Draw lines from the bottom left corner to the top middle, and then to the bottom right corner. Turn the page upside-down and do the exact same thing, again. Draw a border on the inside of each diamond. Make a cross in the middle of each diamond, and draw smaller triangles in each smaller triangle. Much like you did in the Pile 'O Rainbows. In the larger triangles, make several rows of tiny circles really close together. Whatever you do, don't forget to have fun. You don't have to follow each design exactly. You can also use these designs as a starting point and put your own spin on them!
If you use any of these designs be sure to tag me on Instagram @merissawrites.
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First, let me define ‘pattern.’ If you have taken one of my art classes, you know that when you doodle or zendraw to use my term, you first create an outline with different shapes. This can be done in many ways. I won’t go into all of that here. Then, you fill in your outline with a pattern. A sequence of lines and smaller shapes that is repeating. So, where do you find ideas? Oh, so many places can provide inspiration for new patterns. Here are six of them. NatureThink about all the different patterns and shapes in nature. There’s the veins in a leaf, the bark on a tree, the swirls in the water. Nature has a virtually unlimited number of places to find pattern ideas. This butterfly has wings with ovals of varying sizes set on a black background. DishesDishes come with all sorts of different patterns printed on them. Sure, some are solid colored, but many have some of the most unique patterns I have ever seen. These bowls make use of straight lines with solid dots inside. Coloring BooksColoring books are a great place to find pattern ideas. You don’t even have to limit yourself to just the coloring books with all those details. Even the coloring books for young children have a plethora of pattern ideas choose from. A coloring book page of Dumbo from the Disney movie, for example, has a design on the elephant’s collar and designs on the mouse’s clothes. MoviesMovies have the potential to inspire more patterns than any of the other suggestions on this list if you are willing to keep your eyes peeled. Movies have patterns in the clothing, on the walls, in the furniture, outside. Movies incorporate all of the other things on this list. Don’t be afraid to pause that movie and look carefully for new ideas. Pay special attention to the background. You might even notice a few easter eggs in your favorite televisions shows. I can’t include an image for copyright reasons, but you get the idea. ClothesNot only can you find pattern ideas on fabric, but you can find ideas on the designs on the front of shirts, shoes and even pants. If you look really closely, this sweater has a texture that almost looks like several zippers zipped together. BooksBooks with illustrations or photographs offer all sorts of different patterns. This illustration from my book “Kindergarten Mishaps” has polka dots on Mrs. Fairy’s dress and books on the bookshelf that could look really cool if drawn top to bottom. FabricsYou can go to a fabric store and look at fabrics sold by the yard. You can take an extra look at your blankets and sheets. Tablecloths often have very pretty and elegant designs. Any fabric with any design can be the source of inspiration for your next new pattern. Notice the crosshatching on this fleece. It has three different grids laid on top of eachother. Patterns don’t have to be complicated. They can be found just about anywhere. The more you look for patterns, the more you will have at your disposal. Remember, though, it is perfectly okay to reuse patterns, even in the same piece. Chances are, no one will notice, and even if they do it will not change their opinion of your drawing. ChallengeCreate at least 3 patterns inspired by something on this list. Post them to the Perfect Imperfection Facebook Page here. Be sure to include what inspired each of them!
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About MerissaI love art, in every form. I have done a little bit of a lot of things. I love to write, draw, paint, crochet, sew, embroider, create little gifts out of recyclables and so much more. I have little bit of experience in theater, dance and gymnastics. I published a book for children in 2014 and have won a few awards for my writing. ArchivesCategories |