Elements: Texture

What is texture?

Texture is the actual or the illusionary tactile value on the surface of an area as created by nature or by an artist through a manipulation of the visual elements.

Here is an example of how texture can be applied to manipulate value, color, and form to give the impression of a face. Notice the lines created with oil pastel:

diagonal line texture
diagonal line texture

Another textural example is of stippling, using dots in varying proximities to one another to give the illusion of changing values:

stippling
example of stippling

Common Texture Patterns

To get an idea of some common patterns employed by artists to give the illusion of texture in 2D art (or real tactile texture in 3D art), see some swatches below:

Basic Hatching

The most basic method of creating value in ink drawing is linear hatching. Fine parallel lines fill an area, so that from just a slight distance, we have the illusion of value. The closer the lines are, the less white paper shows, and the darker the value appears. Heavier (thicker) line weight also gives a darker appearance.

even horizontal hatching
even horizontal hatching
Irregular Horizontal Hatching
Irregular Horizontal Hatching
Diagonal Hatching
Diagonal Hatching
Non-crossing Variation
Non-crossing Variation
Non-crossing Variation 2
Non-crossing Variation 2

Crosshatching

Crosshatching uses layers of hatching placed at an angle. Usually, the first layer would be vertical, the next horizontal, the next at forty-five degrees, and so on. This methodical approach can look a little mechanical, so artists often use variation in direction to add interest.

Even Grid Hatching
Even Grid Hatching
Normal Crosshatch
Normal Crosshatch
Tight Crosshatch
Tight Crosshatch
Heavy Crosshatch
Heavy Crosshatch
Closed Crosshatch
Closed Crosshatch

Contour Hatching

Hatching placed at a slight angle creates a moire-like effect, the diamond-shaped fragments of white paper enlivening the denser areas of value. This technique is often used in figure drawing, with the direction of line helping to suggest the cross-contours of the body. Hatching which follows a contour can also help to make objects appear more three-dimensional.

Curved / Contour Hatching
Curved / Contour Hatching

Scumbling and Random Hatching

Scumbling, often called the ‘brillo pad’ technique, uses layers of small calligraphic, scribbled marks to build up value and texture. Varying the direction and shape adds more interest than a simple circular scribble. Random hatching uses layers of short, straight marks. Various textures result depending on whether these short hatches are applied vertically, at right angles, following a contour or at random angles.

Scumbling
Scumbling
Random Hatching
Random Hatching

Stippling Technique

Normal Stippling
Normal Stippling
Open, Uniform Stippling
Open, Uniform Stippling
Undulating Stippling
Undulating Stippling
Fan Stippling
Fan Stippling
Course Stippling (Light)
Course Stippling (Light)
Course Stippling (Medium)
Course Stippling (Medium)
Course Stippling (Heavy)
Course Stippling (Heavy)
Line Stippling
Line Stippling
Double Line Stippling
Double Line Stippling
Symbol Stippling
Symbol Stippling

Digital Art, Design, and Communication Education