Repeating Abstract Patterns

I just discovered the most amazing app in the Mac App Store.  It's called Pixelmator and is very similar in many ways to Photoshop Elements that I used for photo manipulation as well as digital painting.

I've only been playing with it a very short time, but I've already discovered some awesome filters that my old Photoshop Elements doesn't have -- namely the kaleidoscope filter and the tile filters: Eightfold Reflected etc.

Wow! A program that allows me to make intricate patterns!  I love it!  I may have to make a new Zazzle store devoted to repeating patterns, or perhaps just a section of my 3D Designs by Jayne store.

I'll have to see how things work out. (My day job really gets in the way sometimes!!!)

Here's the first pattern I made.

First, the original photo (resized)

And here's what it looks like with a Pixelmator filter applied (click on the image to see a larger version of it) :

The first product I used it on is a mousepad:

Gold and Black Abstract Pattern Mouse Pad by 3DDesignsByJayne
See more mouse pads online on zazzle.

I also used it on an iPad sleeve.

Gold and Black Abstract Pattern iPad Sleeve by 3DDesignsByJayne
See other MacBook sleeves.

Gold and Black Repeating Pattern iphone 4 Case by 3DDesignsByJayne
Design personalized iPhone 4S case online at zazzle.com

This is so exciting for me -- I've always loved these sorts of designs but had no idea how to create them. Now I can think of a million and one uses for them - sleeves, business cards, pillows, mugs and more.

Of course, I'm a bit late getting to the party (did I mention my day job gets in the way?)

Check out these designs from the talented artists at Zazzle .

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I love the colors in this wonderful mug from DriventoAbstractiona, as well as the fact that the design is much larger than the one I created (note to self: play around with dimensions when creating designs).

Celebrating Blue Series Coffee Mugs by DrivenToAbstractions
View more Abstract Mugs

This mouse pad by mystic_persia really does look like a Persian carpet, with its rich red and gold coloring.

Red Persian carpet mousepad by mystic_persia
View other Floral Mousepads

Repeating patterns like this one by skellorg look great on solid colored armchairs and sofas - it's a way to bring color and life to a room without having to reupholster! 

Alice's Asters II Lumbar Support Throw Pillow by skellorg
Shop for another throw pillow.

iPad Sleeves and laptop sleeves etc are another create showcase for these repeating patterns, like this lovely blue design by SticherladyMandala

Permascope Pattern iPad Case by StitcherladyMandala
View other iPad accessories.

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Now it's your turn. If you are a Zazzle artist or designer, you're invited to link to your repeating pattern designs in the Linky tool below. Use Option 1 in the Link Widget on the page of the Zazzle product/design you'd like to add. It will show up below as a small thumbnail and when clicked on, will link directly to your product.

My First Abstract Artwork

Anyone who has seen my art galleries on Renderosity and Cornucopia can tell that my usual genre of art leans toward realism -- either landscapes, equine art, romantic couples etc :-)

But several years ago, when I used to work in Bryce 3D, I found some neat tutorials which showed how to create abstract art in Bryce.  I was fascinated and loved the effects they were getting.

Years went by, I went back to my landscapes, started working in DAZ and doing more people, then moved on to Vue d'Esprit and more landscapes.

But I've seen some lovely abstracts recently and wanted to try one of my own.

Even though I have binders of printed tutorials in my home office, I couldn't find the one on abstracts in Bryce.  So I did an online search to see if I could find one.

I found several online discussions on the subject and this tutorial, by Ending Eternity at DeviantArt turned out to be just what I needed!

The instructions are easy to follow and I really enjoyed playing around with it.

Here's the first abstract artwork I came up with after playing around with the concept for a while:

I was really please with how rich the colors appeared, but by changing the colors of the lights in Bryce, I'll bet I can produce some different effects with the same basic setup.

I think this particular design seems to lend itself to products like iPad cases, laptop sleeves etc. Some examples are shown below.

Sapphire Blue Abstract iPad Case by 3DDesignsByJayne

Sapphire Blue Abstract Sleeves For Macbooks by 3DDesignsByJayne

Sapphire Blue Abstract Mouse Pad by 3DDesignsByJayne
Browse other Abstract Mousepads

So while my mind was on abstract design, I decided to have a look around Zazzle and see what other artists were producing in this genre.  And there certainly is a lot of variety!

Here are some examples: 

Firestorm Abstract Art iPad Case by OniArts

Keeping within the category of electronics cases, this iPad case features rich reds and oranges on a black background. The name "Firestorm" perfectly describes this lovely abstract by OniArts.

Autumn Mosaic Abstract Ipad Sleeve by Bebops

This design, by Bebops, also features fall-like colors, this time in a mosaic design, which looks great on this iPad sleeve.

abstract circle i pad case by abstractdesigns

This iPad case has a "grungy", worn look to it, with faded print and blotched watercolor effects.

In addition to the iPad cases and laptop sleeves, abstract art is a natural choice for posters, pillows and other items for the home.

Wind - Abstract Art Pillow by MyOtherPlanet

I'm not sure if it's supposed to, but the swirling design on this one reminds me of oil on water :-)

Fiesta Throw Pillow by SophieLerlei

This pillow just seems like a happy pillow. In fact, the color scheme would look great on my own sofa!

 

Steel butterflower pillows by SuevianArts

This pillow features a design that resembles a mix between a butterfly and a flower in grey and steel-blue colors.

Quadratic Spiders Poster by vilhei

The golden orbs and lines on the dark background make me think more of the night sky than the spiders in the title of this piece by vilhei.

Abstract Gold Squares Poster by made_in_atlantis

While many abstracts are obviously digital (like the ones I created), I think this one is an actual painting. Hand painted, or digital, I like the effects.

I hope you have enjoyed this brief foray into the world of abstract art and design.  I'm certainly going to play in the genre some more and see what I can create!

Now it's your turn. If you're a designer or artist on Zazzle, you're invited to link to your abstract designs in the Linky tool below. Use Option 1 in the Link Widget on the page of the Zazzle product/design you'd like to add. It will show up below as a small thumbnail and when clicked on, will link directly to your product.