Art Fundamentals: Texture

Texture

Definition: Texture refers to the surface quality or "feel" of an artwork, whether it is visual or tactile.

Types of Texture:

1. Visual Texture:
   • Creates the illusion of texture through visual cues, such as patterns, shapes, and colors.
   • Can be achieved through various techniques, like brushstrokes, layering, or printing.
2. Tactile Texture:
   • A physical quality that can be experienced through touch.
   • Found in three-dimensional artworks, like sculptures, ceramics, or textiles.

Elements of Texture:

1. Roughness:
   • A texture that is coarse, uneven, or jagged.
   • Can evoke feelings of discomfort or unease.
2. Smoothness:
   • A texture that is even, flat, or polished.
   • Can convey a sense of calmness or serenity.
3. Pattern:
   • Repeated designs or motifs that create a visual texture.
   • Can add depth, interest, or rhythm to an artwork.

Artistic Techniques for Creating Texture:

1. Impasto:
   • Building up thick layers of paint to create a raised, three-dimensional texture.
2. Glazing:
   • Applying multiple thin layers of transparent paint to achieve a smooth, luminous texture.
3. Collage:
   • Combining different materials, like paper, fabric, or found objects, to create a textured surface.

Artistic Movements Associated with Texture:

1. Impressionism:
   • Emphasized visual texture through loose, expressive brushstrokes.
2. Abstract Expressionism:
   • Focused on tactile texture through the use of thick, heavy paint and unconventional materials.
3. Surrealism:
   • Often incorporated unusual textures, like fabric or paper, to create dreamlike or unsettling environments.