web analytics

Justina Blakeney logo

Make

Pattern Play with Jeanetta: How to Create a Pattern in the style of William Morris

PatternPlay_WillMorris_Pattern_finalHi! Jeanetta here. Last week in Pattern Play we introduced you 19th century British artisan and manufacturer, William Morris and his amazing work. See the post here. This week I’ve interpreted his design style into a modern, jungalicious pattern borrowing inspiration from his intricate pattern layouts, colors and subject matter and now I’m going to show you how to make a repeating pattern in the style of William Morris too! Let’s get started!

Materials:
– Tracing paper pad
– Pencil
– Ruler
– Graph paper (optional)
– Gouache paint
– Paint brushes & water
– Light box (optional)
– Scanner
– Photoshop

Making the tile for the pattern:
1. Draw a rectangle. Using your ruler and pencil, draw a rectangular shape separated into two equal parts on tracing paper. I find separating the rectangle into two boxes creates a more intricate design especially when you draw from the center line.
Tip: Place tracing paper over graph paper to keep your lines straight and motifs symmetrical.

2. Begin sketching your design in the first square. Start on the left side and draw curves and shapes. Create a fluid design that moves from left to right. Draw on all corners.

3. Now draw in the bottom square creating movement that carries from one square to the next. Vary the shapes and layout and develop the lines into motifs. I drew leaves, flowers and scrolls inspired by William Morris. Continue to sketch in details and finalize the drawing.
Tip: I found as I worked I erased parts and redrew them to make the sketch flow better. Keep working out the sketch until it is to your liking.

final_sketch

PatternPlay7

Pattern_Play_Final_Drawing_WM

4. Time to paint.  I placed a piece of watercolor paper on top of the drawing to see the sketch and painted it in using gouache. Tip: I recommend using a light box to see the drawing under the painting clearly while you paint.

5. Scan the art. Place the dry painting onto your scanner bed and scan at a high resolution (at least 300 DPI).

6. Bring the painting into Photoshop, cut from background, clean up any mistakes or marks and brighten the colors.

scan_crop_painting

7. Crop the art to the edges, duplicate and move to the right edge. Transform and flip the duplicated tile 180 degrees.

PatternPlay_FlipTile_WilliamMorris

8. Make the pattern. Grouping the first and duplicate art layers, duplicate them both, move to the bottom edge and rotate vertically to build out your pattern. By rotating and reflecting the tiles you will see the pattern fit together. When tiled, check here for any issues and if it needs more art added in the negative areas. I painted some small details in Photoshop.

PatternPlay_Tiling_WilliamMorris

9. Tip: I realized the overall pattern looks better at 90 degrees. Try turning the tiles 90 degrees to see it in a different orientation.
Duplicate the tiles over and over, building the pattern out.

PatternPlay_tiledPattern_Rotated

10. Try adding different background colors to change the look and voilá! – my William Morris inspired pattern design!

PatternPlay_WillMorris_Pattern

Check back next week to see a fun surprise we whipped up for you with this pattern!

Artwork ©2015 Jeanetta Gonzales
Photography by Danae Horst

{Project by Jeanetta Gonzales for The Jungalow.}
For more Jeanetta, visit her website and follow her on Instagram.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  6. Melissa says

    I love that you drew the pattern first by hand and then painted beofre Photoshop.
    It’s nice to see Surface Pattern Design done the old fashioned way!

    Reply

  11. Sue says

    This makes you realise just how talented Morris was. No photoshop in his day, it was all his own work. Just amazing. Thanks for sharing your talent.

    Reply

  41. MR_richard says

    Instagram Mod Apk version is the most amazing social media app version where you will find a lot of interesting features to enjoy. You can easily download the videos and photos of anyone. Instagram Mod Apk

    Reply

  50. appandriod says

    Appandriod APK Free Download
    Download apk for Android with Appandriod APK downloader NoAds, Faster app downloads and apk file update speed Best of all, it’s free . Let’s Enjoy and Download free .

    Reply

  55. kinemaster pro says

    Thanks for sharing awesome content. I make professional pattern videos for my Youtube channel through kinemaster pro. You can try it too. I downloaded Kinemaster mod apk from apktruck mod apk website. you can check it out too. It’s amazing with the access of premium features.

    Reply

  58. Gb whatsapp says

    If you want to know how to create a pattern in the style of william morris then just you should follow these instructions That I’m going to send you on GB whatsapp.

    Reply

  59. Gb whatsapp says

    If you want to know how to create a pattern in the style of william morris then just you should follow these instructions That I’m going to send you on gb whatsapp.

    Reply

  60. trucaller says

    I have used many apps and games, so I made the best website for you to use the modified version of apps and fun for the free PlayModApk site. see the list below

    Reply

  65. MODAPKDb says

    Casting agent mod apk gives you a chance to hire talent for the film industry. Players will have the chance to learn many elements of choosing a talent for the industry. Suggest to the approaching females what they have to work on. Players will have access to talent from around the town and a chance to profit from successful stars. Casting Agent Mod APK

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *