Do you love pattern but aren't always sure how to use it in a painting without it taking over?

This class is part of my Still Life Unleashed series, where we explore expressive, design-driven still life painting. In this class, we'll focus on one of my favorite subjects: pattern.

Pattern shows up throughout my artwork, but here we'll explore it intentionally as a design tool. Rather than using pattern simply as decoration, you'll learn how repetition, variation, and restraint can create movement, rhythm, and visual interest while keeping your painting loose, expressive, and uniquely your own.

I recommend taking my class Designing Still Life: Freedom, Confidence, and Choice before the painting classes in this series. It introduces the design mindset that will help you get the most from these projects.

In Patterned Still Life: Decorative Surfaces & Rhythm, you'll create a pattern-forward still life painting where objects are simplified into bold shapes and pattern becomes an active part of the composition.

We'll use photographic references as inspiration—not something to copy—and focus on making visual decisions based on what feels interesting and alive. You'll learn how to balance busy and quiet areas, create movement through repetition, and use pattern in a way that supports your painting rather than overwhelms it.

Through this process, you'll build confidence using pattern intentionally while developing a stronger understanding of design, rhythm, and visual storytelling.

What You'll Learn:

How to use pattern as a design tool, not just decoration
How repetition creates movement and visual rhythm
How to balance busy areas with areas of rest
How to simplify objects into shapes
How to keep patterned paintings loose and expressive
How to make intentional design decisions without overworking
How to use photographic references as inspiration rather than something to copy
How to create paintings that feel lively, playful, and cohesive

Who This Class Is For:

Perfect for beginners and intermediate artists who want to:

Explore pattern in a loose, expressive way
Add more visual interest and personality to their paintings
Strengthen their understanding of design and composition
Move beyond realism and paint more intuitively
Build confidence making creative decisions

If you're ready to embrace pattern, create more dynamic paintings, and discover how repetition and rhythm can bring a still life to life, this class is for you!

Additional Resources:

Download the Class Resources

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You can download the class resources here.

Barbara Carr

Learning and rehearsing on a daily basis.

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