TextureActual texture

Artists and designers can use actual texture in their work or they can suggest how something feels using techniques that imply texture.

Part ofArt and DesignElements of art

Actual texture

Actual texture, or physical texture, means the actual physical surface of an artwork or design. It describes the feeling you would get if you were able to run your hand over an artwork.

This feeling can vary depending on the materials the artist used to create the piece of work. It could be smooth, bumpy, coarse, rough or many other textures.

Actual texture is the result of the materials used and the artist or designer's technique.

Casa Milà ('La Pedrera') rooftop, Antoni Gaudi, 1906-1912, Stephan Karg / Alamy Stock Photo
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Casa Milà ('La Pedrera') rooftop, Antoni Gaudi, 1906-1912 (Stephan Karg / Alamy Stock Photo)

The roof terrace of Casa Mila (Antonio Gaudi 1906-12) feature sculptural chimneys in a variety of textures.

forms made of limestone create smooth, flowing shapes.

In contrast, broken glass, tiles and marble are used to create a rough texture. These create the appearance of armoured helmets.

Casa Milà ('La Pedrera') rooftop, Antoni Gaudi, 1906-1912, Stephan Karg / Alamy Stock Photo
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Casa Milà ('La Pedrera') rooftop, Antoni Gaudi, 1906-1912 (Stephan Karg / Alamy Stock Photo)
Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, Edgar Degas, 1879-81 (cast 1921), bronze, gauze and satin ribbon, (The Art Archive / Alamy Stock Photo)
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Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, Edgar Degas, 1879-81 (cast 1921), bronze, gauze and satin ribbon (The Art Archive / Alamy Stock Photo)

The figure of Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen (Edgar Degas, 1880 – 1881) was originally cast with coloured beeswax but has been reproduced here in bronze. The face is smooth, suggesting the young dancer's skin. Rougher texture on the legs could suggest wrinkles in the fabric of tights.

The dancer’s clothing is made from real textiles. Silk ribbon, a cotton and silk and a cotton are all actual textures that add to the realism of the sculpture.

Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, Edgar Degas, 1879-81 (cast 1921), bronze, gauze and satin ribbon, (The Art Archive / Alamy Stock Photo)
Image caption,
Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, Edgar Degas, 1879-81 (cast 1921), bronze, gauze and satin ribbon (The Art Archive / Alamy Stock Photo)