Abstract In this paper, we present a method for creating Escher‐like spherical patterns with regular polyhedron symmetries. Using the generators of the symmetry groups associated with regular polyhedra, we first provide fast algorithms to construct spherical tilings. Then, to obtain Escher‐like patterns, we specify texturing techniques to decorate the resulting tilings. Moreover, we present a strategy to create a novel dynamic effect of Escher‐like kaleidoscopes in which the motifs have a complete body. The method has the advantages of simple implementation, fast calculation, good graphics, and artistic effects, which can be used to create rich elegant spherical patterns.

Whirlpools , by the Dutch graphic artist M. C. Escher, is a woodcut print in which fish interlock as a double spiral tessellation. Inspired by this print, in this article we extend the idea and present a general method to create Escher-like interlocking spiral drawings of N whirlpools. To this end, we first introduce an algorithm for constructing regular spiral tiling T . Then, we design a suitable spiral tiling T and use N copies of T to compose an interlocking spiral tiling K of N whirlpools. To create Escher-like drawings similar to the print, we next specify realization details of using wallpaper templates to decorate K . To enhance the aesthetic appeal, we propose several measures to minimize motif overlaps of the spiral drawings. Technologically, we develop algorithms for generating Escher-like drawings that can be implemented using shaders. The method established is thus able to generate a great variety of exotic Escher-like interlocking spiral drawings.

Abstract In this paper, using both hand-drawn and computer-drawn graphics, we establish a method to generate advanced Escher-like spiral tessellations. We first give a way to achieve simple spiral tilings of cyclic symmetry. Then, we introduce several conformal mappings to generate three derived spiral tilings. To obtain Escher-like tessellations on the generated tilings, given pre-designed wallpaper motifs, we specify the tessellations’ implementation details. Finally, we exhibit a rich gallery of the generated Escher-like tessellations. According to the proposed method, one can produce a great variety of exotic Escher-like tessellations that have both good aesthetic value and commercial potential.

A fractal tiling ( f -tiling) is a kind of rarely explored tiling by similar polygonal tiles which possesses self-similarity and the boundary of which is a fractal. Based on a tiling by similar isosceles right triangles, Dutch graphic artist M. C. Escher created an ingenious print Square Limit in which fish are uniformly reduced in size as they approach the boundaries of the tiling. In this article, we present four families of f -tilings and propose an easy-to-implement method to achieve similar Escher-like drawings. By systematically investigating the local star-shaped structure of f -tilings, we first enumerate four families of f -tilings admitted by kite-shaped or dart-shaped prototiles. Then, we establish a fast binning algorithm for visualising f -tilings. To facilitate the creation of Escher-like drawings on the reported f -tilings, we next introduce one-to-one mappings between the square, and kite and dart, respectively. This treatment allows a pre-designed square template to be deformed into all prototiles considered in the article. Finally, we specify some technical implementations and present a gallery of the resulting Escher-like drawings. The method established in this article is thus able to generate a great variety of exotic Escher-like drawings.