Pattern

Some patterns are very simple, such as spots, stripes and zig-zags. Patterns can also be very complex, involving detailed symmetry.

Artists have experimented with patterns since art began.

Some painters have created artworks exploring pattern as art. They produce large paintings of repeating objects or lines which appear to move or change when you look at them. This is called Op Art (or Optical Art).

The Arts and Craft Movement designed patterns inspired by nature. They produced textiles and wallpapers which repeated intricate patterns of plants and trees.

This drawing by John McAllan Swan RA is called Jaguar Walking. He painting many pictures of animals and was particularly interested in big cats. In this picture he has put a lot of detail into the pattern of circles and spots on the Jaguar's fur.

This is very old painting called Portrait of a Lady. It was painted in 1615. It was also called A Lady at the time of Mary, Queen of Scots. The painting has been dated by Historians who have been able to tell when the painting was painted by looking at the costume the lady is wearing. Her clothes contain many patterns. The neck ruff contains a detailed pattern and the dress is made from a number of patterned fabrics. Today people still like wearing clothes which are decorated with patterns.