Assignment #4

For this sketchbook, we will be looking at patterns and lines and how the effects they can have on our work. 

Pattern is so much a part of our lives - in clothing, product design, and advertizing - that we don't really give it much thought.  One of the most common is the repeated two block like those seen below.

With a little bit of imagination we can add variations like these:

Another type of pattern using a repeated block is called a "tessellation".  A tessellation is created when a shape is repeated over and over again covering a plane without any gaps or overlaps.  Many geometric shapes can tessellate, like triangles, squares, and hexagons.  One of the most famous artist to use tessellations was Escher.     

Each tessellation is based on a modified geometric shape.  By cutting a piece out of one side and "translating" it to another side, he made many unusual pieces, sort of like a jigsaw puzzle.  Each piece fits together with the others, leaving no negative space between them.

Drawing # 1

Divide your page up into six sections.  Fill each section up with a different pattern based on the  alternating block.

Drawing # 2

Create a tessellation by using a square.  The easiest way is to use an index card.

1. Cut off the end of the card to make it square.

2. Cut a shape out of one end and tape it onto the opposite side.

3. Trace the card onto your paper, repeating to fill the entire page.

4. Decorate the tessellation by making a creature or character out of each of the shapes.