Page 64 - Art Attack Gr 9 LB SKU1007

A pattern is defined as a regular arrangement of forms, shapes, colours and lines, or a
combination of these elements to create a visually pleasing surface design. The designer
organises the art elements and design principles into a motif, which is then repeated or
alternated with other motifs in a consistent way.

A motif or unit ...........………………………………………………………………………...............
....................…………………………………………………………………………………………..…
……………………………………………………………………………………….............................

Patterns have been around for centuries. Their origins are found in Ancient African, Native
American-Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern forms of cultural expression. Through the study
of the history of visual arts and design, you would have observed that the pattern never goes
out of fashion- it is merely reinvented by a new group of designers according to a new set of
rules.

Patterns may be incorporated into designs for just about anything- from carpets, clothing, and
cell phone covers to food, graffiti and tattoos. A pattern designer needs to be innovative,
precise, and extremely patient.

Patterns can create different rhythms and textures within design. They may be symmetrical
or asymmetrical. Patterns can be organic or geometric. They may be abstract,
abstracted, stylised, naturalistic or realistic in style.

Patterns can be categorised into different layouts. Here are a few of the common layouts and
their definitions. Draw a quick sketch of each:

Brick or offset pattern: here the line of motifs is moved over so that
the next lines motifs fit into the spaces in between the previous line’s
motifs.

Tossed layout: this occurs when the motifs are randomly scattered
within the format.

A packed layout: this occurs when the motifs are closely positioned
so that they are touching each other.

Ogee layout: where the motifs are designed to be onion shaped so
that one row fits into the next.

One-way layout: where all the motifs face in the same direction.

Two-way layout: here the motif alternates between facing upwards
and facing downwards.

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