A tessellated pattern can be simple or complex.
In the strictest sense, a tessellation is a repetitive shape pattern in which there are no gaps between each shape. Tessellations are often created with geometric shapes; however, in an artistic setting, these repetitive patterns can be created with almost any subject. A turtle, for instance, makes a great subject for tessellation, because it is simple and easy to draw. An easy line drawing of a turtle works best for a tessellation project. The drawing needn't be shaded, or three-dimensional. The tessellation process gives even the flattest images a sense of depth and movement.
Instructions
1. Draw several uniform circles on a sheet of paper. Use the bottom of a 16-ounce cup as a pattern. This allows each circle to be exact. Place the Styrofoam cup in the center of a piece of paper. Trace around the bottom of the cup with a pencil. Move the cup, and make sure the circle is exact. Erase any extra tracing marks.
2. Draw another circle. Place the cup about 1/2 inch from the first circle. This circle can be above, below or to either side of the first circle. Trace around the bottom of the cup. Continue this step until the entire paper is covered with circles. Allow the circles to extend off the drawing surface.
3. Select one center circle to represent the first turtle. Draw its neck and head. The neck should be about 1/4-inch in length and width, while the turtle head should be somewhat diamond-shaped. Draw the head so it extends through the empty space between two of the closest circles. The head should stop about halfway through the space.
4. Add two upper legs. These top legs should connect to the circles on either side of the turtle you're working on, as well as the circles above the turtle. Connect one leg to the circle on the right and to the circle above it. Connect the other upper leg to the circle to the left of the turtle's body. Make sure that leg touches both the circle above it and the one to the left side as well.
5. Add the two bottom turtle legs. Draw the bottom right leg below the right upper leg. This leg should touch the bottom area of the same circle on which the right leg is connected, as well as the circle situated on the right side bottom. Draw the bottom left leg. Attach the left leg to the bottom left-side circle. This leg should touch the bottom area of the same circle on which the upper left leg is connected, as well as the circle on the bottom left. Repeat this process on every circle.
6. Add detail to the turtles' shells and legs. Draw a circular shape in the center of each turtle's back. Add five to six shapes around the center circle, then draw about seven more shapes onto the outside area of the shell. Draw straight lines on each turtle leg. Add two curved lines on the turtle's face and two black dots beside each line.
