Let's Talk about the Element of Texture
In the visual arts, texture is the perceived surface quality of a work of art.
It is an element of two-dimensional and three-dimensional designs and is distinguished by its perceived visual and physical properties.
Texture is the way something feels to the touch, or looks to the eye.
Words like rough, silky, shiny and dull help writers describe the texture of an object. An artist shows texture to accomplish the same goal.
There are two types: Visual Texture & Actual Texture
It is an element of two-dimensional and three-dimensional designs and is distinguished by its perceived visual and physical properties.
Texture is the way something feels to the touch, or looks to the eye.
Words like rough, silky, shiny and dull help writers describe the texture of an object. An artist shows texture to accomplish the same goal.
There are two types: Visual Texture & Actual Texture
Why do Artists use Texture?
Artists use texture to add depth, interest, or balance to different areas of their artwork.
Texture can help set up the atmosphere of a scene.
Other times, an artist may use texture to add interest to his or her work
Texture can help set up the atmosphere of a scene.
Other times, an artist may use texture to add interest to his or her work
Contrast with TextureFor example, take a look at this work by Meret Oppenheim. This work talks about specific pleasures: fur may delight the touch, but it repels the tongue. And a cup and spoon, of course, are made to be put in the mouth. This artist used texture to make the viewer stop and think about the contrast between fur and everyday things we use to go in our mouth.
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Connection with TextureTake a look at how this artist used texture. This painting is by Wayne Thiebaud. He used texture as a way to make the viewer see the smoothness of ice cream. Texture supports this artwork by appealing to the viewers senses. You can almost feel how silky and smooth ice cream is when it touches your mouth.
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Emphasis with TextureTexture can be used to create contrast so the viewer looks at exactly what the artist wants them to see. Look at this painting. Your eyes immediately go to the rough flowers because they are painted on a smooth background. Contrasting rough and smooth creates emphasis.
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Texture is not primary to the workIn some works, texture is used (or not used, however you want to think about it) to not take away from the painting/drawing itself. What I mean is there is only one overall texture in this painting...smooth. Because there is not a variety, we may not even think about the texture as a part of the artwork. Artists do this so the subject of the art is focused on and not the elements of art used to create it.
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Understanding Texture in Art
At its most basic, texture is defined as a tactile quality of an object's surface. It appeals to our sense of touch, which can evoke feelings of pleasure, discomfort, or familiarity. Artists use this knowledge to elicit emotional responses from people who view their work
Let's take a look at Jennifer Maestre's Sculptures
Here is what Jennifer has to say about Texture in her sculptures:
My sculptures were originally inspired by the form and function of the sea urchin. The spines of the urchin, so dangerous yet beautiful, serve as an explicit warning against contact. The alluring texture of the spines draws the touch in spite of the possible consequences.
My sculptures were originally inspired by the form and function of the sea urchin. The spines of the urchin, so dangerous yet beautiful, serve as an explicit warning against contact. The alluring texture of the spines draws the touch in spite of the possible consequences.