I'll admit it: I'm a sucker for texture. Applied textures, interesting textures and the beloved impasto.
I do a lot (LOT) of textured work.
I marvel at beautiful paintings that have not a lick of texture, but when I paint I almost invariably pick up a texture medium or start the application of impasto somewhere in my art.
IMPASTO
The texture of the ages. Even the greats used it effectively.
Painting shown: ABSTRACT JARDIN
Sometimes it is subtle; many times it is a featured component.
I think I like the "touchability" (is that a made-up word?) of it.
When I see art I like, even at museums, I get close. Real close. Almost "I'm going to get yelled at by security" close.
I love brushwork. I like to see the detail, even in large, seemingly detail-free artworks.
I don't touch. I respect the art too much. But oh, if I could! I'd run my fingers over the canvas and absorb the artist's meaning, vibe, intent, application and process.
I think that's why I love texture. It's a look, but don't touch, type of thing.
Unless of course, you own it. Then respectfully and gently you can get a little of that texture under your fingertips, even if just fleetingly.
DISTRACTION textured abstract painting
It's part of why someone purchases a textured piece. They want to feel that when they unbox it, if purchased online. They want to see that the texture is every bit there as promised by the artist and photos. To know it's a real, one-of-a-kind physical thing and not a mass-produced item.
They want to walk by it where ever it is hanging and know they could reach out and feel it whenever they like.
But they don't. It's just enough to be there, taunting the viewer to look around before they secretly glide their fingers over it.
You know you want to.
Textured art
Does it scream out “I dare you to run your fingers over me”?