pattern

art

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

In art, a pattern refers to the arrangement of elements like lines, shapes, colors, and textures. This formal organization creates a visual format that can convey mood, optical sensations, and forces of harmony or tension. Patterns can be abstract, like geometric shapes in ancient Greek vase painting, or they can incorporate figures, often geometrized, to depict narratives. The interplay of these elements guides the viewer's eye, contributing to the overall expression of the artwork. Patterns are fundamental to design, providing structure and presence to a painting.1234

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

7 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

garden and landscape design
Line
The pattern—that is, the form created by lines—is three-dimensional in any given scene that is viewed. It is four-dimensional in that a spectator continues to move through the landscape over periods of time. The pattern changes throughout each day because of the changing light and shade…
Read More
The pattern—that is, the form created by lines—is three-dimensional in any given scene that is viewed. It is four-dimensional in that a spectator continues to move through the landscape over periods of time. The pattern changes throughout each day because of the changing light and shade…
Read More

painting
Elements and principles of design
…and textures into an expressive pattern. It is the sense of inevitability in this formal organization that gives a great painting its self-sufficiency and presence.
Read More
…and textures into an expressive pattern. It is the sense of inevitability in this formal organization that gives a great painting its self-sufficiency and presence.
Read More

quilting
The golden age of American quilts
During this period quilters shared patterns from weekly newspaper columns like those from the Kansas City Star, which featured more than 1,000 designs from 1921 to 1961. One of the Star’s three illustrators, Ruby McKim, achieved national fame. Other 20th-century designers included Marie Webster, Anne Orr, and Rose Kretsinger. Companies…
Read More
During this period quilters shared patterns from weekly newspaper columns like those from the Kansas City Star, which featured more than 1,000 designs from 1921 to 1961. One of the Star’s three illustrators, Ruby McKim, achieved national fame. Other 20th-century designers included Marie Webster, Anne Orr, and Rose Kretsinger. Companies…
Read More