Lesson video

Hello, everyone.

How are you today? My name is Mrs. Alton, and I'm gonna be your art teacher for today's lesson.

Today, we're gonna be exploring pattern, and that's from the unit The Elements of Art.

Pattern is one of my absolute favourite things to get into.

So, if you're ready, let's get started.

So let's look at the outcome for today's lesson.

I can use block printing to create a repeated pattern design.

And we have some key words for today's lesson.

First, we have pattern and print, geometric and repeat.

So let's take a look at those in a bit more detail.

So ,pattern is a design in which line, shapes, forms, or colours are repeated.

Print is making a copy of a design by pressing it onto a surface like fabric or paper.

Geometric is characterised by regular lines and shapes like squares, triangles, or circles.

And repeat is when a shape or design is copied again and again to make a pattern.

So let's keep an eye out for these key words during today's lesson.

The lesson today is broken down into two learning cycles.

The first learning cycle is designing a geometric block print and the second is block printing onto paper backgrounds.

So a very practical lesson today.

So let's get started with learning cycle one: designing a geometric block print.

The outcome for this lesson could be something like this.

What do these images have in common? Take a look.

Pause the video here and spend a moment discussing this with the person next to you.

Maybe you said that they all use geometric shapes to create repeated patterns.

So, again, some of those keywords coming up straight away.

Patterns are everywhere around us.

Just take a look at these images.

They're not just for fashion, we see them in our home, schools, and public places.

In fact, you'll be pretty hard-pushed to go anywhere and not see a pattern.

A repeat tile is one section of a design that you copy again and again to build up a pattern.

And you can see here this is an example of a polystyrene tile.

Let's see how it can be repeated in different ways, like in a straight line, offset like bricks, being turned or rotated in different directions.

A quick check for understanding.

There is only one way to design a repeated pattern.

Do you think that's true or false? Take a moment to think.

Well done if you recognise that that's a false statement, and that's because there isn't just one way to repeat a design.

You can repeat it in many different ways like I've just mentioned, and these methods help make your pattern more varied.

What type of repeat pattern has been used in this artwork? Think about the ones we just mentioned.

Sophia comments, "It looks like the pattern has been repeated in a line, side by side." And this is called a straight repeat.

This format is called a brick repeat, and if you just think of it like a brick wall where every row has been slightly offset, and it creates a different type of design Andeep comments that, "I wonder what pattern this tile would create if rotated in different directions." And we can see here how the pattern looks when it's rotated.

So when rotating your tile in different directions, it can create surprising and interesting effects.

I wonder which one you prefer.

This rotated repeat creates curving lines even though it's mostly made of triangles.

Let's take a look and we can see how the pattern starts to grow and develop.

This is the same design rotated at a right angle.

What does the pattern remind you of? Pause the video here and have a think.

Alex says, "It looks a bit like a dartboard." I wonder what you come up with.

Quick check for understanding.

Which of these is not a type of repeated pattern? Is it A, repeating in a straight line; B, offset like bricks; C, rotated in different direction; or D, scribbled randomly across the page? Well done if you recognise that scribbled randomly across the page is not a regular type of repeated pattern.

Different cultures use pattern to express identity, heritage, and tradition.

I wonder if you recognise where this type of pattern might be from.

Maybe pause the video and see if you can discuss this with another person.

Well done if you recognise it's kente cloth, which comes from Ghana in West Africa.

And kente cloth is a brightly coloured, woven fabric made with bold geometric patterns.

So we're back to those key words again, thinking about those mathematical type of shapes like squares and triangles and rectangles.

Each colour and pattern has a special meaning and shows values like peace, strength, or leadership.

So there's very much these traditions and heritage that's always been woven into this type of cloth.

Islamic art often uses intricate geometric patterns, so we're thinking really fine detail, and repeating designs in architecture, so buildings, tiles, and textiles.

And these patterns reflect spiritual ideas such as infinity, so this idea of going on forever; unity, being connected; and the order of the universe.

And this often avoids images of people or animals because in Islamic art it's believed that only God should create these people or creatures.

Quick check for understanding.

Which of these statements is true? Kente cloth from Ghana uses animals and people in its designs.

Islamic art avoids geometric patterns and focuses on nature.

Or kente cloth uses bright colours and shapes that have meanings.

Have a think.

Well done if you said C, kente cloth uses bright colours and shapes that have meanings.

Printed textiles are fabrics with designs or patterns created by printing techniques.

And here we can see some pictures of polytile block examples.

Block printing is a method of relief printing, so that's when you have different levels on something like a tile or a stamp that picks up the ink when you print it onto a surface.

Block printing is when you press a raised design onto fabric or paper.

And you can create a bold repeating pattern using this method of printing.

So to make a geometric polytile block, you can cut geometric shapes from a polytile square.

And polytile squares are really easy to cut, so it's quite nice just to cut some very simple geometric shapes to start with because they can also snap and break.

To make your relief, it's really good if you stick those cutout shapes onto a polytile base.

And for that you can use, some strong glue is really good or a glue gum.

And it's really important, especially if you use something like PVA, is that you let the shapes dry.

So you might have to leave them a certain amount of time, maybe till the next lesson, until you can use them effectively.

The printing block is made up of positive and negative areas.

And let's take a look at this in a bit more detail.

Positive areas are in relief and raised.

So we're talking about that idea of a relief print again.

They pick up and transfer ink.

And negative areas are carved into the block and do not transfer with the ink.

So that's how we create this idea of pattern.

You can plan a block print design using black and white paper, and this allows us to not waste any of the polytile as well.

We can plan our design before we really get stuck into the making of the block.

Think of the white paper as the positive space, the raised part of the block, and think of the black paper as the negative space or the background.

This helps you plan how your block print pattern will look.

So in this example you can see that the positive space will be the raised areas and the negative space will be the background.

And you can plan this block print design using the black and white paper we've just mentioned so you get an idea of what your print might look like before you commit yourself to the polytile.

Fill in the missing gap.

You should plan a block print using positive, A, colourful; B, negative, or C, dark space? What do you think? Well done if you remembered it's negative space.

The block print is made up of positive and negative areas.

The positive space is the raised part of the block and the negative space is the carved areas or background.

So, over to you for our first task.

We're going to make a geometric polytile block.

You're gonna plan your block using white and black paper to experiment with the type of pattern that you want to create.

You're gonna cut white paper into geometric shapes for the positive or the raised areas of your design.

You're going to arrange them in a pattern onto the black paper.

So you can really start to be creative with the types of shapes that you want to experiment with.

And it's a good idea to have a few sheets in case you want to start mixing up your ideas and experimenting as you go along.

And also reviewing and refining your design as you go.

So, as a developing artist, that's a really key part of the practise, so pausing every now and again and thinking, "Which bits do I like? Which bits do I want to change?" And then you need to glue your pieces into place.

So pause the video here while you have a go at this task.

And I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

So, using your paper plan for your block, cut your geometric shapes from the polytile.

Now, it's really important here just to work slowly and carefully to avoid snapping the block.

And keep your shapes, don't let them fall on the floor 'cause that can happen quite easily.

So have a nice little neat area on your table that as you cut things out, you can just plan exactly where they're going to go so it's a more easy process for you.

And you need to arrange the geometric shapes onto another square or polytile base.

So imagine like you did in the paper where you were arranging the white paper onto the black negative space, you're gonna use another polytile instead so we get the raised areas for the relief.

You're going to glue securely, like we've mentioned, with PVA glue, or a glue gun if you have an adult supervision.

And we're gonna leave to drive fully.

If you try to use them too soon, you will have, the pieces will just start coming off with the printing ink, which is quite sticky.

So really leave them to dry.

And you could try making two contrasting blocks.

So like you may have found with the paper, you can actually get two prints just from cutting out one sheet of white paper.

You can separate all the shapes to actually make two different prints, so one positive and one negative.

And we'll take a look at that, what that looks like in a moment.

You could also try making different sized polytile blocks.

And when you print those, that can create a real visual variety in your printing and in your pattern design.

So, that just might be another thing to consider.

So, pause the video here while you complete this task.

So let's take a look at what your work may have looked like.

And you may have completed some polytile blocks like this.

And Laura says that she made two complimentary blocks out of the positive and negative shapes of one tile.

So let's look at learning cycle two: block printing.

So we are getting really, really practical here with printing inks, and we're going to be doing that onto paper backgrounds.

So block printing is a process where a design is transferred from a material onto a surface using pressure.

So in this lesson, the material we're using is the relief polytile block, and we're gonna be printing onto the surface of paper.

And we're gonna be using pressure, so we'll need some rollers to really be able to get some pressure onto that print to print effectively.

Blocks can be pressed onto paper to create a bold, repeating pattern like this example here.

Printed patterns can go on any background, plain or colourful.

So if you've got some different papers at home or at school that you could use, any type of surface at all is really fun to try to print on.

So it might be good to have a real think about what you could use, whether it's something recycled or, in these examples, it's paper that has been painted to create really interesting backgrounds and patterns.

Bright washes can really help the dark print stand out clearly.

And we can see that in the examples we've been viewing throughout the lesson.

Changing the background colour or the way you position your block, like we mentioned in learning cycle one, can have a big impact on the final design.

Again, we can see that squiggly pattern that we took a look at in learning cycle one.

And that's just from one polytile block.

So just imagine all the different ways that you could create patterns just using those tiles that you've made, so many different variations.

Indian inks are bright, blend easily, and when they're dry they're also waterproof.

So they're a really good choice if you did want to create some interesting backgrounds for your prints.

You could try using Indian inks with wax crayons for hidden patterns, and that's because they create a wax-resist method.

So the crayon on the paper will repel the ink as you put, washes over it.

So you get these kind of hidden patterns showing through, which is a really nice, soft effect to the layered print on top.

Pens and pencils can also add texture And these can just be scribbles or maybe zigzags, so you can be really free with the type of marks that you create and then wash over.

You can also use water splashes for changes of colour.

So when you've done your ink, you can just drip some water with your fingers, almost like sprinkle some water over and leave it for a while.

And you'll see that in those areas, it creates these really interesting kind of droplets and changes of colour in the ink, which, again, works really well when you print over the top.

So, a quick check for understanding.

Experimenting with backgrounds can improve contrast and add texture to your printed patterns.

What do you think? Well done if you said that's true.

And that's because using colour, layering, and mark making can make the pattern stand out more and add visual depth.

So let's look at how to print your block.

First of all, you need to roll a small amount of ink onto a tray.

And it's really important not to put too much on all at once.

It's much easier just to add a little bit when needed than having loads on there, and you put the roller on, it starts to slide everywhere.

So we don't want that.

We want a nice tacky sound to the roller, almost sounds like sellotape, that kind of sound, and then you know you've got just the right amount of ink.

And you can also put printing ink onto plastic sheets or perspex, which also works as a really good surface for ink.

And then you are going to roll, put your roller in the ink and press it onto your tile.

So keep rolling, again, until you hear a sticky sound.

And just go vertically and horizontally across your tile so you're really getting a nice, even spread of the ink on the tile.

Okay, once you've inked up your polytile block, we are going to place it face down onto your background, so whichever background you've chosen.

And we can see just this example here is on a plain background.

And then you're going to use a clean dry roller to press firmly.

So you always need one roller in the ink and one clean one near you.

So you're going.

Make sure you don't get them muddled, 'cause I know I've done that before.

With your clean roller, you're gonna press the back of the polytile.

And, again, like you did when you put the ink on the tile, you need to go vertically and horizontally and really get into the corners.

It's a really good idea to stand up when you're doing this so you get your body pressure onto the tile.

And you really want to get this really nice, even print if possible.

And then you're gonna lift it up carefully to reveal your print.

And then continue the process until you have the repeat that you've planned.

So just take your time when you're position in your tile as well so then you get a really nice development of that repeated pattern coming through.

So many artists use pattern to explore both old traditions and new ideas.

Add Fuel is a street artist from Portugal, and he mixes traditional blue tile patterns with street art styles.

So his work layers shapes and patterns to connect the past with today.

And if you do see his work, they're these huge outdoor murals which really would have an impact on any viewer passing by, so they're really worth a look at.

Edric Ong creates beautiful patterns using traditional Iban weaving and natural dies.

So he's a fashion designer.

And he keeps cultural traditions alive, so he's from Malaysia, through modern designs, so some really inspirational fashion collections that he has.

And many artists use patterns to tell stories and explore identity.

Lubaina Himid uses pattern, collage, and colour to explore Black identity, history, and storytelling.

She often cuts and layers printed shapes to build powerful scenes.

Nancy Spero combined text, print, and hand-painted images.

She layered and stitched paper to show powerful messages about women, war, and justice.

So, again, really worth a look.

Inspired by artists, you can manipulate printed designs in different ways.

You could weave paper to add depth and complexity to your pattern.

You can tear the paper to create texture and layered effects.

You can experiment with cutting, layering, and stitching.

You can also develop your print further by weaving two contrasting prints together.

First of all, you fold one of your prints in half and cut from the fold.

So that's really important.

The part where it's folded, that's the part you're gonna cut into.

And that's because you're gonna leave one inch at the top.

So we're not gonna end up with lots of different strips of paper, it's gonna all hold together once you unfold it.

And when we do unfold it, it will look something like this.

So it will reveal the slits, and this creates the warp, which is basically a base for your weaving.

So, the next step is to cut an alternative print.

And I've chosen one here with different colours.

So your second print, you're gonna cut into strips.

And also you could vary the size of the, the width of the strips.

And that, again, is just thinking about how you can create variety in the print.

And then with your first print that you cut into, you can then weave through the warp.

So you put the stripped under and over the slits, and that creates the weft.

And that will create a nice, firm picture, or a weave, that you can then glue into place.

So let's take a short pause for a check for understanding.

Which of these artists combines traditional patterns with modern street art? Is it A, Add Fuel; B, Lubaina Himid; C, Edric Ong; or D, Nancy Spero? Well done if you recognise it's A, Add Fuel.

So, over to you for our next tasks.

We're gonna create two coloured backgrounds first.

So just as a recap, you might experiment with colour choices, layering media underneath the ink washes, dripping water onto the ink to create colour changes and pattern.

So pause the video here while you complete this task.

Let's take a look at what your work may have looked like.

And we can see Izzy here has really experimented with complimentary colours and varied ink layers for light and dark areas.

She's used a little bit of wax resist and also splashed some water for effects.

Let's take a look at our next task now.

We're gonna print your polytile block, so the one that you created in learning cycle one, and we're gonna create a repeating geometric pattern.

So you're going to review the different forms for creating a repeat pattern.

Now, that could be, as we mentioned in learning cycle one, a straight repeat, a rotated repeat, or a brick repeat.

And you're gonna select the composition for your repeat geometric pattern.

So which one of those do you want to use? And maybe you'll refer back to your paper plan that you did as well.

So let's just recap how you will print your geometric repeated pattern.

So, to print your design, you're gonna roll your ink into the tray until you hear that sticky sound.

You're gonna ink your polytile evenly, remember vertically and horizontally, getting into all the corners.

You're gonna place it down onto your coloured background, so the background you've just produced.

And you're gonna use a clean, dry roller on the back to apply pressure.

You're gonna lift it carefully to reveal your first print.

And you're gonna repeat the steps to build your full repeated geometric pattern.

So pause the video here while you complete these steps.

Let's take a look at what your work may have looked like.

So here, Izzy has made her pattern using a straight repeat, and the black ink contrasts well with the softer blue background.

She's then created a second polytile pattern using an alternative block and colorway.

So for our last task, you're gonna develop your prints using manipulation techniques.

And that might be transforming your design.

You might work collaboratively, so with somebody else or individually.

And it'd be really good if you can think about experimenting with weaving, as we've explained in this learning cycle, or maybe tearing.

So if you look at Add Fuel's mural designs, you might get some real inspiration for how you might tear your prints and layer them, and that is lastly layering.

So how could you combine and layer the two different prints that you've done? Pause the video here while you complete this task.

So let's take a look at what your work may have looked like.

I hope you had fun with all that printing process.

And we can see here that Izzy and Jacob worked collaboratively, and they wove and cut strips in different widths to add variation to their pattern.

And the contrast between warm and cools colours looks really effective.

I really hope you had fun developing and experimenting with your prints.

I'm sure you've come up with some wonderful ideas of how you could develop them.

So lastly, reflecting on your print design.

What effect does your chosen manipulation technique create? How does it change the feel of your pattern? And how could these techniques be developed onto textiles? Take a moment to talk to somebody next to you.

Let's take a look at what you may have said.

So Jacob said, "Weaving creates colour contrast and creates a regular pattern in the new design." And Izzy mentions that she could try printing onto textiles to create a product like a bag or sew layers onto each other using applique techniques.

So really thinking how these approaches could be developed even further.

So let's look at a summary for today's lesson.

Patterns often involve designs made using in printing techniques.

Printed patterns are often seen in everyday items like clothing, furnishing, and wallpapers.

Block printing moves a design onto a surface using pressure.

Patterns often use geometric shapes and are built through repeat and print techniques.

Thank you for learning with me today.

And I look forward to seeing you soon.