Repetition in Art Isn’t Boring
—It’s the Key to Captivating the Viewer

“Evening Illuminations” 30″ x 48″ by Julie deBoer, Artist & Founder

Want a fun challenge that will immediately impact your work in meaningful ways?

This week, incorporate the design principle of pattern and repetition to your next piece. I promise it will quickly improve your ability to draw the eye and create interest.

It can be subtle or dramatic… you get to choose.

1. Use Repetition to Guide the Eye
with Patterns & Rhythm

When we repeat shapes, lines, or colors, we naturally yet intentionally lead the viewer’s eye through our work. Why do we care? Because we’re trying to tell a story or convey an emotion or idea. We can’t do that well if we let the viewer’s eye wander aimlessly through our composition.

For example, in landscapes, repeating tree shapes or rolling hills creates a pattern or repetition that ultimately gives a sense of movement. If it’s subtle it can create a feeling of peace, if it’s dramatic it can create interest.

But be careful—too much repetition without change can cause your work to feel predictable. The key is to let repetition create structure. Add small variations to keep that structure fresh.

2. Keep It Interesting
with Imperfect Patterns

Repetition doesn’t mean everything should look the same…that would be boring!

Slight shifts in size, color, or direction—keep a piece dynamic and engaging. If you’re a recovering perfectionist like me, be cautious here. If you repeat elements exactly or too perfectly, things will feel stiff. But when you add variety, you have the power to create ENERGY and LIFE!

See this played out wonderfully in Mentor Anne Kullaf’s painting below. Magic of the Lily Pond shows pattern and repetition through the repeating circular forms of the lily pads, creating a rhythmic, almost hypnotic effect. Notice the subtle variations in size, color, and placement (some overlapping, some not) and how this keeps the composition interesting, engaging, and peaceful, not stiff and boring.

“Magic of the Lily Pond” by Mentor Anne Kullaf

3. Use Repetition to Bring
Clarity to the Chaos 

Nature and our environments are full of patterns. Stop right now and look around you. Do you see any patterns? Maybe books lined up on a shelf, or streaks of sunlight coming through the blinds on your window? When you learn to see patterns you can use them to bring clarity and rhythm to our art.

The key is not to get lost in all the details, look for the bigger patterns—the way tree trunks repeat, or how buildings align along a street. Don’t paint every blade of grass but highlight a few in a row, here and there.

4. Use Repetition & Pattern
to Tell Your Story

As you can see, he has arranged shapes and details in a truly balanced and organized structure. The repeated circular pattern and elements (lily pads, flowers, sticks, etc) have created a steady, peaceful, yet intriguing scene, which is further communicated through the title: “equanimity,” which means calm and balance. 

“Equanimity” by Mentor Chris Ams

Chris’s design flows and draws your eye to the central story of the sleeping fox. Unified, connected, harmonious, and peaceful, yet powerful in clarity.

5. Play With Patterns,
Make Repetition Work For You

Remember, repetition isn’t just about structure; it’s about energy, movement, and storytelling. So go ahead—experiment, push it, and see how it can improve and even transform your compositions. Let repetition be your secret weapon!

You’ll be in good company at Mastrius, where artists work shoulder-to-shoulder, in a non-competitive, supportive community.

With you on your journey to growth and fulfillment,

Julie deBoer
Artist & Founder