Hi there! I am Studyfin, your art tutor. Today, we will explore patterns and symmetry in the world around us!
Artists look closely at the world. We can find art elements like lines, shapes, and colors in nature and in things made by humans. When we repeat these elements, we create beautiful patterns.
Pattern is the repetition of art elements. If you draw a circle, then a square, and repeat them, you make a pattern! This repetition catches the viewer's eye and guides them through the artwork.
Symmetry is a type of balance. If you fold a shape in half and both sides match perfectly, it has symmetry. The line down the middle is called the line of symmetry.
✏️ Worked example
Let us analyze a butterfly to find its elements of art, pattern, and balance.
First, look at the shapes. We see curved wings. These are the shapes that make up the butterfly.
Next, find the colors. The left wing has bright orange and black spots. The right wing has the exact same spots.
Then, look for repetition. The spots repeat in a neat row along the edge of each wing, creating a pattern.
Finally, check the balance. If we draw an imaginary line down the center of the body, both sides match. This is symmetrical balance.
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