Texture

Throughout history, how have cultures used texture to create unique works of art? What types of mediums have been most commonly used?

Many cultures have used texture to instill a feeling or emotion in the observers, and also to convey a message. The most commonly used mediums are: mosaic, sculpture in the round, relief sculpture, and stain-glass.

Identify and define the technique used by the artist to create the above portrait.

The artist has used cross-hatching to create this piece. Cross-hatching is a shading technique where a set of lines overlaps another set to give the illusion of various values.

Creating a rubbing will help you understand how texture is an effective skill for artists. List the steps you would take to create a rubbing.

1) Place a sheet of drawing paper over an object 2) Secure it with tape to hold into place if necessary. 3) Using the side of a pencil or crayon, do a rubbing over the surface. 4) Press down hard enough to see an image appear.

Look closely at the painting above, entitled, El Vendedor de Alcatraces, by Diego Rivera. How did Rivera use the six visual elements to create this masterpiece? Provide one example for each visual element.

Line: Horizontal line of the tie/scarf; the vertical lines in the basket and with the flowers; the diagonal lines of the shawl; the curvilinear lines of the flowers and that of the woman; etc. Color: the darkness in the background to draw the eyes to the flowers and woman; the contrast in light between the woman and the flowers; etc. Texture: the shadowing on the basket, shawl, and flowers make them appear real if we could touch them; etc. Space: the grandness of the flowers; the small portions of the woman; the man standing behind the basket, the way the flowers appear overtop the woman's head and body; etc. Shape: the shape of the basket, the flowers, the flower centers, the body of the women, etc. Form: the depth created by the man behind the woman and the flowers; the height and presence of the flowers; the meekness and serenity of the woman; the way the eyes seems to start at the woman and then go up and cascade along the flower; etc.

Identify the painting above and the artist who painted it. How has the artist specifically used texture in this piece?

This painting is entitled, The Shoes of van Gogh, by Vincent van Gogh. The artist used texture to create the illusion of depth by the use of light and dark. By varying the intensity by using a combination of brushstrokes, van Gogh created the illusion of texture.

Explain the difference between cross-hatching and impasto in creating a sense of texture. Why would an artist select one over the other?

Cross-hatching is a technique used to create a sense of density through overlapping lines, and impasto is a technique used to create a sense of depth through thickly applied paint, often so one can see the brush strokes. An artist might select cross-hatching over impasto to create various values or degrees of lightness and darkness. An artist might select impasto over cross-hatching to emphasize depth or dimension to a painting.

Where has the artist used texture in their piece of art? Is it effective?

He wears a gold laurel-wreath crown, a delicate lace collar, a red velvet cape with ermine lining and a wide ermine collar, and elaborately embroidered shoes in gold. Beneath his throne is thick carpet containing the image of an eagle, which was the symbol of ancient Rome. We recognize and can imagine the feel of these materials because of that artist's skill in creating illusions of texture. The artist used his skills with texture to convey his imperial power.

Explain the difference between actual texture and implied texture. In art, where is actual texture most often found, and where is implied texture found?

If we were to touch an artwork, and it felt how it looked like it would feel, then it would have actual texture (real texture). If we were to touch an artwork, and its texture was different from what it appeared to the eye, then it would be considered to have implied texture (the illusion of texture). Actual texture occurs in both relief and in the round sculptures. Implied texture is found in most other forms of visual art (ex: painting, drawing, pastel, etc.).

Define the term tactility. Look at the sculpture shown above, how would you describe its tactility?

Tactility is the degree to which the surface of an object seems to have a particular feel. The sculpture's facial features, head, and hair/scarf appear smooth to the touch, while underneath the hair/scarf looks rough.

Look at the sculpture above. Does it most likely have implied texture or actual texture? What texture(s) does it appear to have? Include the name of the sculpture and artist in your response.

This sculpture is called the Horse, by Debra Butterfield. The sculpture has actual texture because the texture we see is what we will most like feel like. Students responses of texture may vary, but will most likely include the following terms/textures: roughness of the wood/sticks, roundness of the sticks and the parts of the horse, and sharpness of the sticks.

Define the following terms: - tint - tone - shading

Tint: Adding white to a color to make it lighter. Tone: Refers to the light, color, and shade of an object. Shading: Showing a change from light to dark in an object by darkening areas that would have a shadow.