Principals and Elements of Art: Texture

A new monthly series here at Sweet Stella's - Principals and Elements of Art.

What can you expect? Well, I'll take these design principals {aka rules} and, using some pieces of my art, hopefully teach you about what goes into creating a balanced composition.

In a few weeks, there will even be a hand out of sorts!

First up is Texture

Technically defined as: The texture is the quality of a surface or the way any work of art is represented. Lines and shading can be used to create different textures as well. For example, if one is portraying certain fabrics, one needs to give the feeling of the right texture so that it closely resembles what the artist is trying to convey. It can be implied or real. What you can feel with your sense of touch. Texture is the surface treatment of an artistic work in order to give variety and beauty to any work of art. {wikipedia}

So, how do I use texture in my paintings? Well, I use both real and implied texture.

Real Texture using plaster on wood, further enhanced with acrylic paint

Implied texture using various levels of dry brushing, and cross hatching

It's a sense of touch, but one that you can visually see with your eyes. It's an element of art that I take very seriously with my paintings as it gives so much depth to a piece.