1. Texture

3. • A valuable element in the artist’s
codebook is texture because it engages
another sense besides sight.

4. • Texture is “tactile,” that is, it appeals to our
sense of touch.

5. • Artists know this element can appeal to
viewers and may try to recreate the illusion
of texture, or add real texture to stimulate
our tactile nature.

6. • Texture is related to value, in that it’s
created by modifying the light on a surface
(review the element of VALUE). We don’t
need to touch a shiny silver bowl to know
its surface is hard, smooth, and polished.

7. • But we can “sense” a crumpled piece of
paper’s texture because of the hundreds
of broken, abrupt value changes.

8. • In sculpture, hammering, carving,
embossing or molding the surface of the
material adds texture.

9. • Texture is a powerful art element because
it can quickly evoke memories and
emotions

10. • . Start becoming more aware of textures
all around you—the carpet, in the clothes
you’re wearing, and the fur on your cat.

11. • Finally, look carefully to see how Vincent
van Gogh created unique texture in his
painting of sunflowers