Rhythm in drawing refers to repeating or alternating elements across a composition. Just as musical rhythm provides the underlying structure of a song, visual rhythm gives coherence to an artwork.

Rhythm emerges from the arrangement of lines, shapes, values, or textures that create a sense of pattern, continuity, or pulse. For example, a row of trees receding into the distance, the undulating folds of fabric, or the repeated curves in a figure's pose.

There are several types of visual rhythm:

• Regular rhythm: Consistent intervals and identical elements – like fence posts or a brick pattern
• Alternating rhythm: Switches between two or more elements — light and dark stripes, or large and small shapes
• Progressive rhythm: Shows gradual change — forms that grow larger, colors that shift warmer, or values that move from light to dark
• Flowing rhythm: Follows organic, curving paths—the sweeping lines of hair, rolling hills, or a winding river

Artists use rhythm to unify a composition, create energy, and direct attention. In figure drawing, rhythm comes alive when capturing alternating tension and relaxation in the muscles. Developing sensitivity to rhythm helps artists move beyond copying isolated forms toward orchestrating cohesive, dynamic images. To create rhythms, you need to consider how parts relate to each other within the whole composition.