Sometimes a composition keeps calling you back, asking for more. In a previous tutorial, I created a simple abstract shape composition using my free Abstract Shape Stamps. But once my Midcentury Magic brush set was ready, I couldn't resist revisiting it.

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to layer textures, halftones, and retro patterns to transform basic shapes into a rich, dimensional composition. This project is perfect for exploring how texture and pattern can completely change the feel of your digital abstract art.

Canvas Setup

• Size: Standard Procreate canvas
• Brush Sets Used:
• Midcentury Magic (textures, patterns, halftones, dots and lines)
• Abstract Shape Stamps (free)
• Color Palette: Midcentury Magic (free)

Step 1: Change the Background Color

Start with a shape composition, using the Abstract Shape Stamps.

Tap your Background Color layer and choose a light beige (or any color you prefer) from the Midcentury Magic palette. This creates a softer base and allows white elements to show up more clearly.

Step 2: Add Compositional Elements

Before we get into textures, let's add a few more shapes to tie the composition together.

Brushes Used (Midcentury Magic - Dots and Lines section):

• Three Small Line (not gradient) – create a flowing line in dark blue to connect elements. Be sure to put it on its own layer so you can move it around as desired.
• Five Large Dot Gradient – pure white circle in the background.

For the gradient circle, draw a rough circle and hold your pen until it snaps into a perfect shape. Tap the screen to make it perfectly round. Add this on a new layer at the bottom of your layer stack (above the background), then use the Move tool to position it. Erase any parts that overlap where you don't want them.

Step 3: Add Texture to the Moon Shape

Now the fun begins. We'll use clipping masks so textures only show up within specific shapes, keeping everything non destructive.

Create a new layer above your moon shape (or another shape of your choice), tap the new layer, and select Clipping Mask. Anything you add to this layer will only appear within the moon shape.

Textures Used (Midcentury Magic - Textures section):

• Kraft Paper – burgundy color, light pressure for random texture
• Handmade Paper – brown, then white for contrast
• Linen Canvas – white in the center, then dark green around the edges

The key here is using light pressure and building up gradually. For the green canvas texture, focus around the edges to create dimension, making the moon appear slightly 3D. Don't worry about going outside the lines since the clipping mask contains everything.

Step 4: Add Texture to the Wobble Shape

Repeat the same clipping mask process for other shapes in your composition.

Textures Used (Midcentury Magic - Textures section):

• Linen Canvas – dark green around edges for dimension
• Handmade Paper – yellow instead of stark white for better contrast
• Cardboard – green for additional texture variation

Layer these textures to create depth. The goal is to make each shape feel handmade and tactile rather than flat and digital.

Step 5: Add Halftones to Smaller Elements

The halftone brushes work differently than textures. Light pressure creates dots, and as you press harder, they become solid. This creates a comic book effect that's perfect for smaller shapes.

For each small shape (zigzag, pill, circle, star), create a new layer above it with a clipping mask.

Halftones Used (Midcentury Magic - Halftones section):

• Dots Halftone – on the zigzag, using a slightly darker version of the base color
• Damask Halftone – on the pill shape
• Dots Halftone – on the oval outline over the moon
• Overlapping Circles – white on the star for contrast

Start with very light pressure to create the dotted effect, then gradually increase pressure in certain areas to make them more solid and create dimension. As long as you don't change the size of the brush, you can go back over it as needed until you're happy with it.

Step 6: Add Stripe Pattern

Patterns are the final layer of visual interest. The pattern brushes respond to pressure, so light touch creates barely-there patterns while harder pressure makes them more prominent.

Create a new layer on top of everything and name it "Patterns."

Pattern Used (Midcentury Magic - Patterns section):

• Thin Stripes – dark green, cutting diagonally across where multiple elements meet

Rotate your canvas with two fingers so the stripes orient the way you want them. Use very light pressure so the stripes are subtle, then add slightly more pressure at the point where everything converges. This creates visual connection between overlapping elements.

Step 7: Add More Pattern Details

Patterns Used (Midcentury Magic - Patterns section):

• Varied Stitches – light green, adding small patches in strategic spots
• Corner Triangles – pure white triangles for accent
• Grid – create a new "Patterns Behind" layer at the bottom and selectively add subtle grid texture behind everything
• Rounded Chevron – use the same beige as your background but slightly darker, adding pattern to the corners with very light pressure

Keep your pattern additions subtle. You want them to enhance the composition, not overwhelm it. The grid works beautifully as a background element, while the chevron adds just enough visual interest to the corners without competing with your main elements.

Alternatively, experiment with other patterns and see what you like.

Optional Adjustments

Try turning individual pattern layers on and off to see what you prefer. You might find that less is more, or you might want to add even more texture in certain areas or on the background. The beauty of working with layers and clipping masks is that you can experiment freely without permanently changing anything.

Consider trying different color combinations for your patterns, or use different halftone brushes on various shapes to create more variety.

Final Thoughts

This project shows how layering texture and pattern can transform a simple composition into something with real depth and character. The process of building up gradually, adding textures, halftones, and patterns in separate layers, gives you complete control over the final feel of your piece. Experiment with your own combinations and see what happens when you let textures and patterns play together.