Texture

The surface quality of an object that we sense through touch. All objects have a physical texture. Designers and artists can also convey texture visually in two dimensions.

In a two-dimensional images, texture gives a visual sense of how an object depicted would feel in real life if touched: hard, soft, rough, smooth, hairy, leathery, sharp, etc. In three-dimensional works, artists use actual texture to add a tactile quality to the work.

Examples:


Texture Depicted in Two Dimensions
Designers use color, line, and shading to imply textures while photographers also use light. The diffusion and angle of light in this image pull texture out of the wall and surface area of the paper.



Surface Texture
PJ's pelt is soft, accentuated by diffused light and contrast in the details of her hair. An added juxtaposition is the contrast of the concrete surface upon which she is seated.