Unit+4.+Textures

UNIT 4- Textures **Texture** is a quality of the surface of an object. Artists use texture to express feelings.

We can divide texture into two types:
 * **Natural textures** are textures characteristic of **living beings** or inert objects that exist in nature. For example, the hair of animals or rough surfaces that contain many rocks are natural textures.
 * **Artificial textures** are made by humans. The surface of these textures can have a practical use. For example, the pavement around a swimming pool normally is rough to prevent slips. At other times textures try to imitate natural textures for decoration.

Depending on how we perceive textures, we can distinguish two kinds:
 * **Tactile textures** are textures perceived by the **sense of touch**. These are **rough**, **soft**, **smooth**, **sticky**, **hard** or **cold**. These are three-dimensional and produce volume. Good use of tactile textures gives more expression in works of art.
 * **Visuals textures** are textures perceived by the sense of sight. These textures do not have volume; they are two dimensional. Sometimes the most traditional artists try to imitate the reality of textures such as **stones**, **wood** or **textiles**. Sometimes textures are used in modern art to decorate or express a feeling.

**Textures in architecture and sculpture**

In these types of art texture is very important.
 * In **architecture** building materials can have a practical, economic or decorative use.
 * In **sculpture** textures determine which type of material will be used. The correct selection of material is very important in the sculpture’s final appearance. The location of where the sculpture will be placed also affects which material will be used. For example, weather conditions are a determining factor in the selection of the material. The most important materials in sculpture are:
 * 1) **Stones** like **marble****,** **alabaster****,** **granite** **or limestone.** They can be smooth or coarse texture.
 * 2) **Woods** like **walnut tree** or **mahogany.** They can be **multi-chromatic** to create textures with many colors.
 * 3) **Clay** or **plaster.** They are very malleable.
 * 4) **Metals** like **iron**, **steel**, **gold**, **silver** or **bronze.** These materials give a sense of wealth and power.