Principle
| Type | Contrast | Resulting Attributes |
| Rough | Maximum | Emotionally Active Esthetcially Dynamic Spatially In Depth |
| Smooth | Minimum | Emotionally Passive Esthetcially Decorative Spatially Static |
Rough texture presents maximum contrast and an illusion of depth in a picture. This results in effects that are dynamic and emotionally active.
Smooth texture, of course, has minimal contrast and presents a flat or static appearance. The resulting effects are decorative and emotionally inactive.
Examples
Texture has been considered by painters as more of a three-dimensional characteristic than a two-dimensional one. Therefore, it was largely neglected in Western painting until Vincent Van Gogh used it successfully, making texture both a color and design quality in his paintings.
Vincent Van Gogh, Bedroom at Arles
Vincent Van Gogh, Starry Night
Notice how the extreme use of texture in Van Gogh’s paintings evokes effects that are both visually dynamic and emotionally powerful.
The Medici Palace in Florence, Italy, is a fine example of texture in architecture.
The first floor exterior of the three-story building is rough. The second story exterior employs the use of medium rough textures, and the top exterior story of the building is of smooth texture. In this example, rough texture suggests strength and smooth texture suggests lightness.
Try It
Move the slider to compare the two versions. How do the emotional and aesthetic effects change with the change from rough to smooth textures?
_________________________________________________
Choose a link to learn more about the Alphabet
| The Elements | ||
| Line | Line Direction | Shape |
| Size | Texture | Value |
| Color | ||
| Other Topics | ||
| The Attributes | Composition | The Picture Plane |
| About the Authors | ||
| Alphabet Home |
The Alphabet of Art is a service of TriskelionBooks.com, the home of fantasy and science fiction author Jack Massa. Jack developed this site based on manuscripts and illustrations by Robert J. McKnight. If you have comments on the Alphabet or this site, please contact us here.
Copyright 1997-2020 by Jack Massa. The Alphabet of Art and all information on this site may be freely copied and distributed without charge, provided proper acknowledgement is given to the authors and the Copyright Holder, including the URL of this web site.