Texture is an art element that informs artworks in varying ways. Learn how texture plays a big part in how to create surfaces in artworks.

1. Texture
Simulating Texture in Drawing
Additive Reductive Process

2. Texture
The surface quality of an object
that we sense through touch. All
objects have a physical texture.
Artists can also convey texture
visually in two dimensions.

3. Visual vs. Actual Textures
• In a two-dimensional work of art, texture
gives a visual sense of how an object
depicted would feel in real life if touched:
hard, soft, rough, smooth, hairy, leathery,
sharp, etc.
• In three-dimensional works, artists use
actual texture to add a tactile quality to
the work.

4. Simulated Texture
Texture depicted in two-dimensions
Artists use color, line, and shading to imply
textures.
• Simulated textures are representations
of texture that look real but are not. In
pictorial art, textures are often imitated
very realistically in order to describe
objects and to stimulate a tactile
response from the viewer.

5. trompe l'oeil
• The extreme example of simulated texture is
trompe l'oeil in which the objective is to "fool the
eye".

6. Group Observation
• With your group, observe the still life with the
light source.
• Observe how light falls on different textured
items.
• What is the difference between a rough texture
and a smooth texture?
• Record your observations in your
journal/sketchbook.
• Report to the rest of the class when prompted.

14. Drawing II
Invented and Abstracted Texture
Assignment

15. Abstract texture …
• is another method of representing a texture.
Abstract textures usually have some
resemblance to the original surface but it is
modified to meet the artist's intent. Often
abstractions involve visual simplification.

16. Invented textures…
• are the creation of the artist/designer.
They are made up for expressive or
decorative purposes and are not the
representation of or abstractions from
actual textures