Introduction: 

I have drawn repeating patterns before in Krita and in other software.  However, I didn't have a streamlined process. I also never thought to use the offset image feature in combination with the multi-brush. (I didn't even know the offset image feature existed in Krita.)

Reasons I Wanted To Participate:

1. I've recently found my interest in Krita again. I know very little about the software, but I love it's concept. So, I looked for classes specifically about the program to try and learn it a little more efficiently. This is the first class I watched about Krita. 
2. I struggle to use my graphics/drawing tablet. I thought that by trying out the project for this class, I would have a simple concept to work with, eliminating the stress of what to draw or how detailed to go. I figured it could help me focus just enough to really hone in on improving my tablet skills.
3. I love abstract art and patterns - and even more than that, I love to create them! This project is just up my alley.

What I Learned:

1. The multi-brush is not as complicated as it seemed at first.
2. The multi-brush can create many differing kinds of symmetry, even some I hadn't thought or learned about before.
3. Krita has the offset image feature that I've used many times in other software.
4. Through this class I managed to find a way to make seamless patterns from mandala type motifs so that they don't cut off on one or two sides of the page.
5. By participating in this class, I did manage to actually improve my tablet skills enough that my husband even noticed. My drawing speed increased, my lines are less slanted and shaky, my line weight from the pressure sensitivity is more fluid, and I don't get confused as much with the position of  my pen in relation to its location on my screen.
6. By just getting started on something and continuing to create different versions of that something, my ideas start to flow and I become more creative and interested.

My Process:

1. I started with the symmetry setting of the multi-brush tool and I had it set to 4 brushes. I drew 3 different patterns with these settings. These patterns were mostly just random lines, since I was also trying to get the hang of my tablet. 
2. After that, I moved on to the mirror setting. I tried mirroring on each axis individually and then both together. I again drew 3 patterns, but this time I took my time making some interesting shapes. By this point I was feeling a little more confident with my tablet, and a little more creative with my designs.
3. Lastly, I moved on to what I discovered is my favorite setting: snowflake. I ended up drawing 6 patterns with this mode. I experimented a lot with the number of brushes and just a little with the rotation angle. For a couple of my patterns I used 24 brushes at once! I discovered that the more brushes I used, the less amount of drawing I had to do, but the more creative I could be. I also discovered that 24 brushes was indeed the cut-off for the effect I just mentioned. More than that and the drawing was too busy and not enjoyable.
4. For each pattern I drew, I ended up using both wrap around mode and offset image to be able to make circular patterns repeatable. I also used wrap around mode to check whether my pattern seamlessly repeated and how it was looking. Sometimes a motif doesn't look appealing until it's repeated across a surface. I used offset image to fill in gaps I didn't like without messing up the seamlessness. 

My Project Images:

This image is a collage of the small versions of all 12 patterns I drew after watching this class. The top left one is the first one and the bottom right is the last one. It is possible to see my progression with the tablet, ideas, and creativity as you look through these patterns. It's incredible and fascinating to me that it shows up like that. 

This image is a collage of my 3 favorite patterns from this exercise, displayed in their repeating forms. I think these patterns have the most interesting shapes, best line quality, or are just the most visually appealing.  

I am glad that I watched this class. The project was so fun for me, and it allowed me to relax and let my mind go on autopilot while I just focused on drawing lines. I feel that I've walked away learning more than I was meant to.