What Are Some Different Types of Textures?
There are probably thousands of texture types, but in general they fall under the broad categories of rough and smooth. Smooth textures include slick, silky, soft and slimy. Rough textures are more varied and include bumpy, scaly, coarse, sandy and rocky. Without texture, art lacks life and vibrancy. While this is fine in certain art styles, texture is critical in many others.
Textures are used in both three-dimensional and two-dimensional visual art. In three-dimensional art, textures are straightforward, with real textures used to create different visual and tactile effects. In two-dimensional art, artistic techniques, such as color, line and shape and most importantly light, are used to create the illusion of texture. For example, color and shading are often used to create the illusion of water. In trompe l’oeil art, texture, shading and other techniques are used to create the illusion of a three-dimensional form bursting from a wall or frame.
Texture is often used in art to create moods. A slimy texture is generally repellent and disgusting, while a soft or silky texture is inviting and romantic. In digital art, textures can be applied using filters to images that do not have texture normally. For example, a canvas texture can be applied to a photograph to give it the illusion of being painted.
