The Texture Element Of Art

The texture element of art is an exciting one. Used deliberately, it dramatically raises our game, and we can't do without it!

Not sure how it works?

Well, let's see how some famous artists have handled texture and which method ticks the boxes for you...

First, take a look at two painters who created the illusion of texture. They use very different styles and techniques, but have the same passion for showing the texture of their subject...

Illusion of Texture

This painting is an example of Degas' deft touch with pastels, skillfully portraying the delicate fabric of the dancer's tutu.

No wonder Degas was good - he had a lot of practice. Almost half his output was of ballet dancers!

He loved to paint movement, so pastels must have been a good choice for his 'on the spot' sketches, sometimes working them up later into bigger oil paintings.

Caravaggio's exquisitely observed still-life continues to amaze.

We, who are bombarded with so many images from the media these days, can only imagine the impact on the viewer back then in 1596. Just look at those grapes!

Although working 400 years apart and with different techniques, Degas and Caravaggio both portrayed the texture element of art beautifully -  but, interestingly, the actual surface of their paintings is relatively smooth.

Surface Texture

On the other hand, here we see French Impressionist Claude Monet using the impasto technique -  the physical texture of thick paint on the brush helping him to convey the mood of that sunny, breezy day.

He suggests brisk movement with short, quick, brush-strokes for the scudding clouds, and also for the blowing plants in the foreground, with longer directional strokes for the swirl of the dress.

Dots and little strokes of thick, yellow paint is all he needs to show airy buttercups dancing in the wind.

If we could actually get within touching distance of this painting (no chance!) we would be able to feel all the lumps and ridges made by Monet's brushstrokes, all emphasising the fresh, breezy mood of that day.

Now here's a totally different way to use the texture element of art. The large area of shining clouds is all done in smooth, shiny gold leaf - on a folding screen 15x5 feet (460.5x169.5).

Again, we would never be able to actually touch it, but even here, we can see how beautifully ultra-smooth it would feel - no lumps, ridges or cast shadows to spoil the whole shining effect in the room.

You could try exploring gold or metal leaf for some truly beautiful effects in your artwork. Or even something as simple as adding a bit of gold paint or foil can really give a different dimension to our work.

Texture from Added Materials

I had to show you this! It's not a 'painting' as such, but a large wall-hanging 201x132 inches (510x325cm)

If we take the texture element of art to it's logical conclusion this is where wall art can end up! Would you believe this shimmering work is made entirely of aluminium bottle tops sourced from recycled centres, sewn together with copper wire?

What a comment on our throw-away society, and what artistic imagination - to look at junk, and see it not as discarded bottle-tops but as a possible work of art!  Brilliant!

Sticking 'stuff' straight on to your canvas opens up so many possibilities. Bottle-tops, sand, fabric, shells, feathers, leaves, bark, fake fur - you're only limited by your imagination and what fits with the mood of your work.

Here are some examples of things that could be part of texture-inspired abstract artworks...

Any of the above would give a marvelous tactile quality to your work - and I'm sure you'll have ideas of your own.

I use Winsor and Newton acrylics and any of their mediums can act like glue and dry quickly, holding a great many different light-weight materials.

Liquitex do a range of acrylic gels and pastes that have actual textures already in them. If you haven't tried them yet, they're really worth giving a go! 

Some examples - thick modelling paste, used on it's own or mixed with paint, gives a three-dimensional effect to your surface; natural sand medium for a grainy look; tiny glass beads for a high gloss, bubbly surface; string gel which strings out your paint into - well, strings, a bit like pouring honey! And more.

All these are a lot of fun to work with, and if you're feeling a bit stale, they may start you off in a new direction. And they're great to have handy if you want to try out some abstracts.

Drawing

 But the texture element of art isn't just for painters. If you're more into drawing, you're in great company!

There’s plenty of room for textural exploration - techniques like hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and scribbling can add a rich texture to your sketches, giving depth to what might otherwise be a flat, two-dimensional artwork.

A wonderful example of this is the "Hands of an Apostle" by Albrecht Dürer, above. See how his lines aren't just straight - he uses them to describe the contours of the form too. That’s hatching mastery right there!

Here's loose cross-hatching in action! There's a totally different 'feel' to this one by Rembrandt, isn't there?

Durer's drawing is very carefully worked up, but Rembrandt, with very loose cross-hatching still conveys emotion, movement, three dimensions - and a sense of his being right there looking back at us!

Wow - those guys were good! Gives me goose-bumps!

Here's a fun drawing with some nice visual texture on the 'feathers'!

By the way, I like the satisfying way he has shaped the hen to fit the rectangular paper, don't you?

A textured 'scribbly' effect abstract also done with ink on paper.

Coloured inks or pencils can add another dimension to your drawings - they don't always have to be black if you yearn for a bit of colour sometimes!

Over to You!

So, are you ready to get hands-on? Why not set a small weekly challenge for yourself? Maybe this week could be about exploring coarse textures, and next week, you might focus on smooth, silky textures.

Or you could get immersed in finding interesting textures on your artist's walks to stick to canvas or board;

For example, a piece inspired by a beach walk could feature sea glass, tiny pebbles or dried seaweed and you could add some of that coarse acrylic sand medium.

Also, the texture element works really well hand in hand with colour, so a walk in the woods might turn up some beautiful bark textures and lichens in blue/greys, green and gold colours.

And don't forget your local DIY store; it's a mine of interesting textures and colours - well worth a visit!

Whatever you fancy trying, it's good to know that the texture element is a crucial one to have in your artistic tool-kit and can dramatically elevate your work.

So, good luck, enjoy, and happy texturing!

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