Key patterns and motifs - Part 2 - Creating simple motifs

Key Patterns and Motifs - Part 2 - Creating Simple Motifs

In this lesson, I'll be showing you how I paint a few simple motifs that I use a lot in my work. These can be combined with the foundational techniques you've already learnt to create more intricate and interesting patterns.

You Will Need:

• Something to practise on
• A selection of emulsion paints
• Paint palette
• 2 x water jars filled with water
• A selection of the smaller paintbrushes
• Including a fine-tipped brush, I use size 4 in this lesson

Teardrops

1. Standard teardrop

Load up the full length of your brush. Apply the paintbrush tip first to your surface to create the top of the teardrop, and then press the rest of the brush down to form the base. The motion with your hand is to point and then push down. I like to paint these in groupings of three.

2. Curved teardrop

The principle is the same, but when pressing down you want to slightly bend your hand to create the curve. Looks particularly lovely as the petals of a flower.

Creating Petal and Leaf Motifs

3. Teardrop leaf or petal

Using the same teardrop technique, you create one teardrop on the surface and then complete the shape by repeating the teardrop in the opposite direction.

4. Freehand leaf or petal

Create the outline of the shape by first painting one curved line, using the tip of the brush to ensure a pointed end. Then paint a second curved line that starts from the tip of the first and meets again at the base of the first. Carefully fill the empty space if required.

5. Three petaled tulip

The structure is essentially three teardrops, but with a little more of your freehand movement to fill in the shape. Start by creating the central petal. Then paint the left petal and curve the base of it round to sit underneath the central petal. To form the right petal, curve the base round to also meet under the central petal and fill in any blank space.

6. Dotted flower

Using the dot technique you learnt in an earlier lesson, stamp 5 or 6 dots in a circle to form a small flower shape. You can then leave the centre empty, or add another dot in a contrasting colour.

7. Poppy inspired flower

Paint a four-petaled flower freehand, filling it in while leaving a small circle in the centre unpainted. Use the double-sided curve movement in technique No. 4 to create a grouping of three leaves between each petal. We will revisit this motif later to add the highlight detail.