5 Fascinating Connections Between Art and Maths 

At first glance, art and maths might seem worlds apart — one full of creativity and expression, the other grounded in logic and precision. But look a little closer, and you'll find that they’re deeply connected.

In fact, the worlds of art and mathematics are full of shared elements — from geometry and balance to repetition and rhythm. These connections not only make both subjects richer, but also open the door for cross-curricular learning that’s both engaging and meaningful.

Here are five key concepts you’ll find in both art and maths — perfect for exploring at home, in class, or through creative projects.

1. Symmetry

Symmetry is a key concept in both visual design and mathematical reasoning. In art, symmetry creates balance and beauty. In maths, it’s used in geometry and algebra.

Examples in Art:

• Mirror-image drawings

• Butterfly wing paintings

• Mandalas and rotational designs

Examples in Maths:

• Line and rotational symmetry in shapes

• Graphing symmetrical functions

Try this: Fold a paper in half, paint one side, and press — reveal a symmetrical image.

2. Shapes

Both art and maths use shapes as a foundation — but while math defines them with formulas, art brings them to life.

Examples in Art:

• Cubism using geometric shapes

• Drawing still life objects from basic forms

• Building figures from triangles, circles, and squares

Examples in Maths:

• Classifying 2D and 3D shapes

• Measuring area, perimeter, and volume

Explore shape with a collage: cut colourful shapes and layer them to make a scene or abstract piece.

3. Tessellation

Tessellation is the tiling of a surface using one or more geometric shapes with no overlaps or gaps. This concept appears in architecture, mosaics, and many art traditions.

Examples in Art:

• Islamic mosaic tilework

• Escher-inspired tessellated drawings

• Classroom cut-and-fold tessellation projects

Examples in Maths:

• Identifying regular, semi-regular tessellations

• Exploring transformations (translation, rotation, reflection)

Try this: Trace a shape, rotate or slide it repeatedly across the page to create your own tessellated masterpiece.

4. Proportion and Scale

In art, proportion ensures realism and harmony in composition. In maths, it’s a key concept in ratios, fractions, and geometry.

Examples in Art:

• Portrait drawing (e.g. eyes halfway down the head)

• Scaling up a design for a mural

• Using grids to copy artwork proportionally

Examples in Maths:

• Solving ratio problems

• Converting measurements

• Scaling models

Try this: Use a grid to enlarge a drawing — a great activity to combine math and creativity.

5. Repetition and Patterns

Repetition and pattern are used in art to create rhythm and interest. In maths, patterns are everywhere — in sequences, functions, and statistics.

Examples in Art:

• Aboriginal dot painting

• Patterned borders or textile designs

• Repeating motifs in mandalas or folk art

Examples in Maths:

• Skip counting and number patterns

• Predicting sequences (e.g. Fibonacci)

• Visualising data in graphs and charts

Creative tip: Create a repeating border using one simple shape drawn with different colours.

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding the overlap between art and maths helps students:

• Build stronger visual-spatial reasoning

• Improve problem-solving through creative thinking

• Make connections across subjects in STEM and the arts

And most importantly, it makes both subjects more engaging and fun!

Bring It to Life with Artventure

Artventure’s step-by-step art lessons make it easy to explore the relationship between art and maths — from pattern-based projects to geometric drawing and symmetry activities.

Start a free trial and explore how creativity connects to learning across the curriculum.