Texture Texture is defined as the physical surface structure of a material . Real texture is tactile, meaning that it can actually be touched. Implied texture is simulated or invented like a photograph of the ocean. It can not be identified by touch.

They can be seen in natural environments Ocean Forest Swamps.

Man-made environments Architects Land developers City planners

And some occur in both

There are many different ways we associate texture with our world.

The surface of a porcupine is a defense mechanism against predators.

We associate fur with warmth.

Cultures use textures that have symbolic meanings for rituals and ceremonies.

We tend to associate the experiences we have had with textures to a specific object or meaning.

But what happens when a pair of cowboy boots is actually made out of clay ?

Or a cup and saucer is covered in fur.

How would you feel if you walked up to these people and you found out that they were not real?

Some artists like to manipulate texture in order to stimulate our senses, surprise us, give the illusion of a 3-d Object, or just get some sort of reaction out of us.

So How do they do it?

Lots of practice! And a good understanding about how texture works.

When light strikes a textured object, the areas that protrude (rise up from) from the surface cast shadows. The more angle there is to the lighting, the more visible the texture becomes.

When an area of an object is recessed (indented) it has a darker value The rim that is facing the light has a lighter value than that of the surrounding area.

Many artists use this manipulation of values to create an illusion of a three dimensional object onto a two dimensional surface.

Notice how the recessed areas are a darker value? What about the areas that are highlighted?

So light, shadow and value changes are critical elements to consider when a person is trying to create realistic textures onto a two dimensional surface.