Are you drawn to the symmetrical beauty of geometric patterns but are unsure how to create them for yourself? Are you a little intimidated by the thought of using geometric construction tools such as ruler and compass to create your art?

Fear not! In this class, I will be guiding you, step-by-step, through the basics of how to use a ruler and compass to construct a stunning mandala of spiralling squares - one of the first patterns I ever learnt, and one that remains a firm favourite of mine to this day.

Hi, I’m Clarissa, a geometric artist and experienced teacher, based in the UK. In my own creative practice I enjoy experimenting with different techniques to embellish and enhance the underlying geometry of my mixed media artworks.

In this engaging short course I will share my tips and experience as I guide you through the steps of constructing, outlining and painting, not one, but two, stunning geometric patterns on paper.

In this class you'll learn:

How to construct a simple geometric pattern - the double seed of life - with compass and ruler
Tips on achieving accuracy in your geometric designs
Ideas for how to decorate and colour this first pattern
How to use the first pattern to create the second: a mandala of spiralling squares
Ideas for how to decorate and colour this second pattern, including a demonstration of a two-tone watercolour painting technique that is a favourite of mine.

You’ll be creating:

Two stunning geometric patterns to decorate with your preferred media

Is this class for me?

Absolutely! No prior experience is necessary. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a hobby artist or an experienced practitioner looking to add a new technique to your skillset, the wonderful thing about geometric art is that it is accessible to everyone – you don’t need to be ‘good at art’ (whatever that even means!).

Even if you’re completely new to constructing geometry, you’ll be able to follow these step-by-step techniques to create your own artwork. And what’s more, you’ll gain skills that you can apply to more ambitious projects in the future. The possibilities really are endless!

Materials needed:

A drawing compass, ideally with a pen holder attachment
A ruler, a pencil and an eraser
A surface to press on, such as a cutting mat
At least two sheets of cartridge or sketch pad paper, A4 / Letter size or bigger
A colouring medium of your choice (e.g. paints, watercolour pencils, coloured pencils, marker pens, paint pens)
A metallic pen to outline your pattern (optional)
If you would like to paint your artwork, then you’ll also need a sheet of watercolour or mixed media paper (ideally A3 size or approximately 12 x 16 inches)
You would also need watercolour paints, a couple of paintbrushes and a container or two for water
And a few sheets of textured paper towel (optional).

Downloadable resource pack

Find this in the Projects & Resources section.

Time to get started - I can’t wait to see what you create!

Gail Barlow

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