1. Using line to create pattern
Patterns by
farm4

2. To create a pattern:
You need to choose a shape, or series of lines and repeat that shape or the line to create a pattern. You can use circles or squares or triangles (any geometric shape); or you can use natural organic shapes (leaves, shells, stones) or you can use lines.
You can also mix the shapes and lines. Keep the patterns abstract. Patterns are not drawings of faces or trees.

3. The patterns don’t have to be difficult
These patterns are all made with circles.

4. Simple lines
These are some very basic designs that become interesting when the shapes are repeated.
Hilda Rytteke
Suzanne McNeill

5. To get started
You can just draw designs based on circles or squares or on lines, or use the internet for ideas. There are lots of tutorials and ideas on line.

6. A little more complex:
There are lots of patterns for beautiful and complex designs

7. Make your patterns interesting
You need to:
Make sure some of your patterns have larger shapes, and some have smaller ones.
You can mix the sizes of the shapes within each area to help make the patterns more interesting.
You can make the backgrounds dark or light.
You can place the shapes in rows or alternate them, or put them randomly on the page.

8. You need to create a wide range of value
Value is the lightness or darkness of a colour. The value can be crated by solid shading of one tone, or you can create different values by how close you place lines to one another.

9. The more contrast, the more dramatic
This scratch-board drawing by Cathy Sheeter shows how a strong contrast in values creates a sense of drama.

10. Texture and Value
The closer the lines are together the darker the area will look.
When the lines are far apart there is lots of white space so the areas are light
When the lines are closer together the areas look much darker.

11. High contrast
This zentangle has a high level of contrast

12. Examples of different patterns
Here are some examples of different patterns.
Use the internet to help you find a variety of textures if you run out of ideas

13. Contrast
A combination of lines, a variety of thicknesses of lines, and areas of strong contrast are needed to make patterns that are visually interesting.
The stronger the contrast the more the patterns will “pop”.
Make the black areas really dark.
Keep the shading tidy and even to make the work look strong.
From Time to Tangle

14. Organic and geometric shapes
There are an endless number of patterns you can create. They can be based on plants or animals, using lines that are organic. Flowers and feathers are an example of this. The designs may be geometric using circles, squares and triangles. They may be abstract and free flowing.
Debi Baker

15. Using line and value to create interest
Line as well as shape can be used to create patterns. Adding dark areas helps to make the designs “pop”.
Salmon Brook Studio
Banar

16. Nia Thomas letters

17. Nia Thomas

18. Pattern may help to create form
Cat – this image is mostly flat
By Mariska Den Boer

19. The contrasts in light and dark areas help to define the objects

20. There needs to be a balance of lights and darks

21. Suzanne McNeill

22. Patterns of lines create value and contrast
Patterns by
Skinnystraycat:
The page on the right would have more visual impact if some of the backgrounds were dark. It would add stronger contrasts in value.
left: Hearts and Curls
Banar

23. The backgrounds are important
Sheila Arthurs Bronze on Green
Sue Coccia

24. We can add colour
Think of patterns that can be filled in with different colours

25. Line and colour fill the pages
Dragonfly by Chitweed

26. Phil Lewis Phil Lewis. Moose on The Loose (above)
Green chameleon (left)
Look at the patterns that have been used in each of these paintings.

27. Phil Lewis: Forest lakes

28. Henna decoration - Menhdi
Menhdi or henna is a paste used to decorate the palms and hands and feet.
There are many traditional designs, based on Indian, Pakistani and Arab customs. The designs are often applied as part of wedding, and religious celebrations,

29. Patterns for Mehndi
Patterns for fingers
Patterns for wrists

30. 1st Nations Paddle by Herb Rice Huichol Indians of Mexico ,
Ceremonial masks, beadwork
Emma Florence, Basket maker,
Culture: Nlaka’pamux – North Bend

31. Scratch art
This can be very basic, a craft for children or it can be very sophisticated and detailed. These drawings are done by students in an elementary school.
Panda by Ouzouni
chaosxivk

32. Scratch art Shannon Fleury
These scratch art pieces are done by professional artists. You can see the detail and attention to the way light hits the animal in how the animals are drawn.
Artwork by Cathy Sheeter

33. References
Nia Thomas letters – Forever Tangles:
Salmon Brook Studio:
Hearts and Curls, Banar:
Skinnystraycat:
Farm4:
Bright coloured Owl:
Owl by Norma J Burnell:
Doodles on text of book:
Value scale:
Value using various textures:
Making patterns interesting examples:

34. References
Green Chameleon, Forest Lakes and Moose on The Loose by Phil Lewis:
Cat:
Dragon and Dragon eye:
Horse facing right:
Horse facing left:
Elephant by Ben Kwok:
Portrait of woman in hat:
Sue Coccia:
Chitweed:
Eagle scratch art:
Circle pattern designs:
Zentangle 21 Woven:

35. References
From Time to Tangle:
Patterns by Debbi Baker:
Photo of hands with henna design against silk background:
Photo of hands with henna design against outdoor landscape:
Patterns for henna or mehndi designs:
Huichol Indian mask:
1st Nations basket:
Paddle by Herb Rice:

36. References
Sheila Arthurs, Bronze on Green:
Cathy Sheeter:
Lion Scratch art:
Panda:
Geometric Shapes:
Geometric and free form shapes: 605.wikispaces.com
Moon with birds:
Basic tep by step squares to build a pattern:
Beginning a zentangle:
Basket weave tutorial:
Getting started zentangles:

37. References
High contrast zentangle:
Zentangle designs:
Hilda Rytteke design squares:
Designs by Suzanne McNeill: