Elements of Art: Texture in 2D

This video explains texture, one of the Elements of Art.

Topics include texture that is achieved in single art media vs. mixed media, texture as it relates to patterning, ways of collecting texture references, exploring texture as a means of conveying a tactile sensation, and more.

Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artists Alex Rowe and Lauryn Welch.

Lauryn Welch
Lauryn Welch

Video Walkthrough

  • Experimenting with mixed media and unconventional materials to create texture.
  • Don’t be precious when playing around with textural effects.
  • Push yourself outside of your comfort zone to try out textures.
  • Using brush techniques to create the illusion of texture in painting.
  • What is the difference between texture and form?
  • Painting techniques that are tactile and visceral.
  • Using very thick paint to layer up a range of texture.
  • Color can help create contrast to make the texture more clear.
  • Texture can make objects and people look more “natural,” especially in films.
  • Textural paint that has the illusion of looking like yarn or textiles.
  • Smoke drawings technique by Diane Victor.
  • Texture can also look ethereal, delicate, and thin.
  • Eric Carle, painting papers to create texture in collage.
  • Contrasting graphic, bold shapes with textured collage papers.
  • Balancing a broad range of textures to create a cohesive composition.
  • Painting reductively and wiping with a rag to create texture.
  • Look at the texture and form together.
  • Immerse the texture into the form, don’t address them separately.
El Anatsui
El Anatsui