How to Make Tessellation Art
Are you unfamiliar with tessellations? Let’s explore this fascinating concept together. A tessellation art refers to a print of shapes that serve together perfectly, leaving no gaps or overlaps. You can create a basic tessellation by repeating a polygon, but it’s also possible to use two different shapes in the repetition.
Tessellations offer a wide range of possibilities for exploring various geometric angles and designs. In today’s lesson, we’ll focus specifically on tessellation art. Are you ready to delve into the world of tessellations and unleash your creativity? Let’s begin!
Tessellation Art Supply List
When it comes to creating tessellation art, having the right supplies can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a suggested supply list to get you started –
- Paper – Choose a sturdy piece of paper that can handle drawing, tracing, and coloring. You can utilize sketch paper, drawing paper, or even watercolor paper depending on your preferred medium.
- Pencils – Invest in a set of quality pencils, including a range of graphite pencils for sketching and outlining. Having different hardness levels (e.g., HB, 2B, 4B) will allow you to achieve varying line weights and shading effects.
- Erasers – Hold both a kneaded eraser and a common eraser handy. The kneaded eraser is great for lifting graphite or colored pencil marks gently, while the standard eraser is useful for more precise erasing.
- Rulers and Compass – A clear ruler and a compass will help you create precise and straight lines, ensuring the accuracy of your tessellation patterns.
- Shape Templates – Consider using shape templates or stencils to assist you in creating consistent shapes for your tessellation design. These can be either pre-made plastic templates or homemade cardboard templates in various shapes.
- Coloring Materials – Depending on your preference, gather coloring materials such as colored pencils, markers, watercolor paints, or any other medium you enjoy working with. Ensure to pick materials that are compatible with your chosen paper.
- Fine-tipped Markers – Fine-tipped markers are great for outlining and adding details to your tessellation art. Look for markers with different line thicknesses to achieve varying effects.
- Tracing Paper – Tracing paper comes in handy when you want to experiment with different arrangements of shapes or test out new designs. It allows you to easily trace and overlay your existing patterns.
- Optional – If you want to take your tessellation art to the next level, you can explore additional supplies such as colored pens, pastels, collage materials, or even digital drawing tools if you prefer a digital approach.
Tips to Make Tessellation Art
1. Plan the Pattern
To start your tessellation art project, begin by selecting a pattern from the shapes that tessellate nicely, such as triangles, rectangles, hexagons, or octagons. If you prefer a basic pattern, trace the selected form onto scrap paper and cut it out before proceeding to the next step.
For those interested in creating a custom tessellation, follow these steps: Take a square piece of scrap paper and cut out a unique design from one side of the square. Put aside the cutout, then turn the square 90 degrees and cut again. You can either create a separate cutout on this stage or replicate the first one.
Once both cuttings are removed, use tape to attach the preferably cutting to one of the flat borders of the square. Similarly, tape the second cutting to the remaining flat base. Proceed to the next step to test if your new creation tessellates. If it doesn’t, feel free to refine your design or start anew with different cuts until you achieve a tessellating pattern.
2. Draw the Pattern
To begin creating your tessellation pattern, take a pencil and trace the cutout shape onto a sheet of watercolor paper. Ensure that the tracing is detailed and exact.
After completing the first tracing, align the cutout next to the previous tracing, matching up the edges and corners. Trace the shape again, creating a new instance of it on the paper.
Continue this process, rotating and repositioning the cutout as needed, to extend the tessellation pattern across the paper. Take care to line up the shapes closely, avoiding gaps or overlaps. The repeated shapes should fit together seamlessly, creating a harmonious and interconnected design.
3. Paint and Outline
Once you have finished tracing your tessellation pattern, it’s time to bring it to life with watercolors. Grab your watercolor paints and apply colors of your choice to the different shapes in your design. Feel free to experiment with various color schemes, and gradients, or even add textures to enhance the visual appeal of your artwork.
Allow the watercolors to dry thoroughly prior to moving to the next phase. Once dry, take a Sharpie or a fine-tip marker and carefully outline the original tracings of your tessellation pattern. This optional step adds definition and clarity to your design, giving it a polished and finished look.
If you wish to further personalize your tessellation art, you can add additional accents or designs using Sharpie or markers. This is an opportunity to add your unique artistic touches, such as intricate details, shading, or highlights, to make your tessellation truly stand out.
After you are satisfied with the final touches, step back and admire your completed tessellation art. It is now ready to be shared, displayed, or even framed if you wish. Consider showcasing your artwork in your home, or office, or sharing it with others to appreciate and enjoy your creative talent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is tessellation in art?
Tessellation in art refers to the repetitive pattern of the shapes that completely cover a 2-D surface without any gaps. It includes the concepts of mathematics that have been prevalent in various art forms throughout history. In this art form, the different shapes are arranged in a way so that, they form a bigger pattern that extends indefinitely.
What are the 3 rules to tessellate?
The three rules of tessellate include, the usage of polygons that are equal in sides and angles. Also, the polygon must be arranged in such a way that there are no gaps. And last, the art must be able to extend indefinitely without any disruptions.
What is the history of tessellation art?
The history of tessellation art traces back to ancient times which was found in Roman and Islamic architecture. As well s in Greek and Egyptian art. They were known to use geometric patterns and repetitive motifs in their designs.
Why is it called a tessellation?
The term originates from the Latin word called “tessella” which means a small square tile used in ancient Roman mosaic designs. And tessellation includes creating art by using geometric shapes including squares, triangles, or hexagons. Hence, it is called tessellation.
What are 3 facts about tessellations?
One, it dates back thousands of years ago, and can be seen in the art forms of the Romans, the Muslims, and Egyptians. Second, it involves mathematics precision, it is made up of precise calculations and planning.
Is tessellation math or art why?
Tessellation is in fact both art and math. This is because it involves the arrangement of shapes or patterns in a precise manner which constitutes art. Whereas, specific calculations are done which is a rooted concept of geometry, therefore, math. So, it is both art and math.
How is tessellation useful in real life?
Tessellation has a real-life application as well due to its artistic and mathematical concepts. Here’s how:
- Architecture and Design
- Manufacturing and Engineering
- Computer Graphics and Animation
- Puzzle Design
- Urban Planning
- Textile and Fashion Design
Also Read: Importance of Visual Arts in Education