Texture

Term:

Texture

Definition of the term:

The tactile surface quality of an object.

Visual texture (implied texture) is simulated by variation of light/ dark patterns in a two-dimensional artwork.

Examples of the term:

ACTUAL TEXTURE - Mass (such as sculpture and architecture) has actual texture because it can be felt.

Marble bust of a woman by Rodin

Rodin Mme Vicuna 1884

This marble sculpture demonstrates a contrast of actual textures. The face and neck of the woman are smoothly polished to resemble the texture of skin. Rodin left the lower portion rough with visible chisel marks.

POWER OF SUGGESTION - Throughout your life you have had experience with a variety of actual textures. When you encounter with a new object or image you may recall experiences with similarly textured objects and make a metal connection.

Gonzalez Cactus 1939

Think for a minute or two about the texture of this abstract sculpture by Julio Gonzalez.
What comes to mind? Even though some of the forms are geometric, the texture suggests the subject matter.
After looking at the texture, it probably does not surprise you to learn that the title of this piece is Monsieur Cactus I (1939).

The texture in this next work, by Robert Arneson, is also suggestive!

Robert Arneson, detail of John with Art 1964

I do hope you're not eating right now!

EMOTIONAL IMPACT - Some textures tend to seem more welcoming than others based on our previous experiences.

Abstract metal sculpture with smooth texture Sculpture made of sharp jagged scrap metal

Figure 1: Joan Miro Lunar Bird 1966 Figure 2: John Chamberlain H.A.W.K. 1959

I find the texture of Joan Miro's Lunar Bird very inviting. I see a rounded mass with large uninterrupted areas of reflected light. These visual cues suggest that it would be smooth.

The texture of John Chamberlain's H.A.W.K. (1959) seems much more threatening. This metal mass has jagged edges and sharp points. I can see clearly defined shadows and very few large and rounded reflections of light. These visual cues suggest that I may be hurt if I am not careful around this work.

VISUAL/ IMPLIED TEXTURES - Visual texture is the illusion of texture on a flat surface. Visual textures can be simulated by reproducing the light/dark patterns and colors of actual textures.

Jaques Louis David painting Death of Marat Detail of Jaques Louis David painting Death of Marat

Jacques-Louis David The Death of Marat 1793 (and detail)

Jacques Louis David created visual/ implied texture in The Death of Marat.
You can almost feel the wood grain of the box with all of its holes, knots and crevasses.
If you could run your hand over the painting, however (usually highly discouraged by museum guards), you would only feel the smooth, thin layers of oil paint on the canvas.

IMPASTO - A technique using thick applications of paint.

Van Gogh's painting Starry Night Detail of moon in Van Gogh's Starry Night painting
Van Gogh Starry Night 1889 (and detail)

Paintings, such as Van Gogh's Starry Night, do have actual the texture from the thickly applied paint. When you see this work in person, or look closely at a detail, you can see the obvious brush strokes and ridges created by the heavy application of paint. This technique is known as impasto.

Texture

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