7.2: Different Categories of Texture

Texture is a crucial art component, adding layers and a sense of touch. This section will explore the various texture categories, from real to imagined, to better understand their significance in art. Our examination will include examples and exercises that will enrich your comprehension of texture and broaden your artistic abilities.

Actual Texture

Actual textures refer to the tangible, physical qualities of surfaces and objects that can be felt through touch. Unlike simulated or invented textures, actual textures exist in the real world and are inherent to the materials. They vary widely in texture, from smooth and glossy to rough and textured. Artists may incorporate actual textures into their artwork using mixed media or collage techniques, adding depth and tactile interest. Actual textures provide a sensory experience that complements the visual aspects of the artwork, engaging the viewer on multiple levels.

For example, Rembrandt, in his use of etching on metal plates, exploited the texture of the plate’s surface to enhance the depth and luminosity of his prints, achieving a remarkable range of tones that contributed to the emotional intensity of his works.

"Actual Feathers" by Art-020A student, Natalie Solario, is used with permission.

Simulated Textures

Simulated textures are created by replicating the appearance of real textures through artistic techniques. Artists observe the visual characteristics of textures in the world around them and attempt to recreate them on paper or canvas. These textures may include surfaces like wood grain, fabric patterns, or brick walls. Simulated textures often involve careful observation and precise rendering to achieve realism. They rely on accurate depiction rather than imaginative interpretation.

For Example, Leonardo da Vinci's drawings, such as his famous "Vitruvian Man" and "Study of Human Anatomy," showcase his mastery of simulating textures with meticulous detail and precision. Through careful observation of the natural world, da Vinci rendered textures like skin, hair, and fabric with remarkable accuracy, using hatching, shading, and cross-hatching techniques to create the illusion of depth and tactile realism. His ability to capture the subtleties of texture contributed to the lifelike quality of his anatomical studies and portraiture.

"Simulated Texture" by Kristen R. Kennedy licensed CC BY 4.0.

Invented Textures

Invented textures involve the artist's imagination and creativity to depict textures that may not exist in reality. Instead of replicating existing textures, artists invent new ones to enhance their artwork's visual interest and narrative. Invented textures allow artists to explore abstract or fantastical concepts, pushing the boundaries of traditional representation. Artists may draw inspiration from various sources, including emotions, dreams, or personal experiences, to create invented textures. These textures often contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the artwork, adding depth and complexity.

For Example, Salvador Dalí, a leading figure of the Surrealist movement, often incorporated invented textures into his imaginative and dreamlike artworks. In his painting "The Persistence of Memory," Dalí invents surreal textures like melting clocks and distorted landscapes to evoke a sense of psychological unease and existential uncertainty. By transforming familiar objects and scenes into fantastical and otherworldly forms, Dalí invites viewers to explore the boundaries of reality and imagination, blurring the distinction between the tangible and the imaginary.

"Invented Texture" by Art-005A student, is used with permission

Abstract Textures

Abstract textures deviate from realistic representation and instead aim to convey mood, emotion, or conceptual ideas through nonrepresentational forms. These textures may be inspired by observations of the natural world, but they are often stylized, simplified, or distorted to emphasize artistic expression over accuracy. They may have some basis in reality, but they have been significantly modified or changed. Abstract textures can evoke a sense of movement, rhythm, or energy through dynamic lines, shapes, and patterns. They encourage viewers to interpret and engage with the artwork on a subjective level, promoting personal reflection and interpretation.

For Example, Kandinsky, a pioneer of abstract art, often used nonrepresentational forms and bold colors to convey emotional and spiritual themes in his artwork. His abstract compositions suggest textures through dynamic brushstrokes, geometric shapes, and expressive lines. For instance, in his painting "Composition VIII," Kandinsky creates a sense of texture through the rhythmic interplay of colors and shapes, inviting viewers to explore the painting's abstract texture with their imagination rather than through realistic depiction.

“Expressionist Painting” ChatGPT 4.0, AI generated image by Kristen R. Kennedy.

Exaggerated Textures

Exaggerated textures amplify the tactile qualities of surfaces and objects beyond what is typically observed in reality. Artists may use exaggeration to emphasize certain aspects of texture for dramatic effect or to convey a particular mood or narrative. Depending on the artist's intentions and artistic style, exaggerated textures can range from highly detailed and intricate to boldly simplified and stylized. Exaggerated textures can create a sense of heightened intensity or surrealism by pushing the boundaries of realism, challenging viewers' perceptions and expectations.

For example, artist Vincent van Gogh’s iconic paintings are renowned for their exaggerated textures, characterized by thick impasto brushwork and bold use of color. In “Starry Night” and “Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers,” Van Gogh exaggerates the texture of the sky, stars, and flowers to convey a sense of heightened emotion and intensity. By layering paint with visible brushstrokes and texture, he creates a tactile quality that adds depth and vitality to his compositions to evoke an emotional response from the viewer.

"Twelve Sunflowers" by Vincent Van Gogh is in the Public Domain, via WikiArt.org.