Hi, and welcome back to the Chrissie Murphy Designs Blog where I am always exploring.
I have recently finished a couple of pieces of isometric grid art, and I have to say… they made me smile a lot. They are quite geometric in nature. Very structured. Very precise. And yet, somehow, they still feel playful. Which, if I am honest, surprised me a little.
Both pieces were created it using inks and were finished with coloured pencils from Prismacolor.
There is something quite satisfying about working this way. Lines behave themselves. Shapes stay where they should. It all feels very orderly… which is a nice change from the rest of life sometimes.
Juan Gris and my Love of Grid-Based Art
This exploration of isometric grid art actually began quite some time ago. During my Diploma, I spent a lot of time studying Juan Gris. Gris was a Spanish painter, born in 1887 and passing in 1927. He became a key figure in the Cubist movement. In particular, he worked in what is known as Synthetic Cubism. This style focused on building images using simplified shapes, colour, and layered elements.
Now, here is the part I fell in love with.
His colour.
It was bold. It was vibrant. And honestly, it felt quite brave for its time. While others leaned toward muted tones, Gris seemed to say, “Let’s add a bit more colour, shall we?” And I am very glad he did.
He also used underlying grids to structure his compositions. Quietly, almost invisibly, these grids held everything together… And that idea stayed with me.
Why Isometric Grid Art Feels So Delightful
There is something unexpectedly delightful about isometric grid art. At first glance, it looks serious. Very technical. It needs a ruler and a stern attitude. But once you begin, it becomes quite fun.
Each section of the grid invites you to try something new. It is a little like a creative playground… just with very straight lines. And the best part?
Even when things feel experimental, the grid keeps everything from going completely off track. Which I appreciate more than I can say.
Inspiration from Art + Design with Jamie
While Juan Gris planted the seed, another artist gave me the gentle nudge I needed to actually try this approach. I recently discovered the YouTube channel Art + Design with Jamie.
And this is where things clicked.
Jamie creates beautiful geometric forms using an isometric grid as his base. Watching him work was both calming and inspiring. It was also the moment I thought, “Alright… I gotta try this.”
Up until then, grids had been more of an idea in my mind. However, seeing his process made it feel accessible and exciting. So naturally, I gave it a go.
Blending Isometric Grid Art with Tangle Patterns
Now, here is where things took a slightly unexpected turn. Once I had my geometric structure, I found myself wanting to soften it. Because while straight lines are lovely… I do enjoy a good curve.
So I introduced some Tangle patterns. For one piece, I chose Bunzo, created by Zentangle Inc. This pattern has a flowing, rounded feel. It almost blobs across the page. And in the other I incorporated Mooka 3D by Eni Oken and some modern florals.
And when placed against the structured grid? Something quite lovely happens. The artwork becomes a conversation between the two ideas. One is precise and orderly. The other is relaxed and expressive. It is a bit like pairing a neatly folded shirt with slightly messy hair. Somehow, it just works.
Where This Exploration of Isometric Grid Art Might Lead
This piece feels like the start of something. There is so much more to explore with blending geometry and pattern. I can already feel ideas starting to form.
Some may become more intricate. Others may become simpler. But all of them will carry the same sense of curiosity that drew me in the first place. And hopefully, a little bit of joy too.
One last thing
Before I finish, I would genuinely love to hear from you.
Do you enjoy the balance between structure and flow?
Or do you tend to lean more toward one than the other?
If you feel like sharing, please leave a comment below. Your thoughts always add something special to this space, and I truly enjoy reading them.
Until my next blog post, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” Ephesians 4:1.
In peace always
