Artist Carl Holty loved to use the same shapes and colors over and over again. When something shows up more than once, we call that repeating. When things repeat, they make a pattern.
This painting is called “Two Women Bathing.” Look closely: What shapes do you see? Do they show up more than once?
Holty also used the same colors in lots of different places in this painting. This repetition helps our eyes look at the work of art. What colors do you see? Can you find one color and follow it all around the painting with your finger?
Now it’s your turn to make art with a repeating pattern:
For this activity, you will need:
- a paper plate
- stamps or objects to use as stamps
- washable paint
To make your painting:
- Cover your work surface for easy clean-up.
- Pick a shape or object to stamp with. You can even use your finger.
- Dip it in paint.
- Press it onto your paper plate.
- Lift it up and see your shape.
- Do it again to create a pattern.
- Let it dry flat, then admire your art.