Visual Element - Texture Answers

The sculpture *Horse* by Deborah Butterfield most likely has actual texture because it is made from real sticks and branches. The surface appears rough, uneven, woody, and somewhat prickly. The natural branches create a strong contrast with the recognizable shape of the horse.

This painting is entitled, The Shoes of van Gogh, by Vincent van Gogh. The artist used texture to create the illusion of depth by the use of light and dark. By varying the intensity by using a combination of brushstrokes, van Gogh created the illusion of texture.

The artist uses texture in the lace collar, the soft-looking velvet cape, the ermine fur, and the thick carpet. The gold objects and Napoleon’s face appear smooth and reflective, contrasting with the fabrics and fur. These textures make the different materials look realistic and help emphasize Napoleon’s wealth and power. The use of texture is effective because it makes the painting feel rich and visually interesting.

Cross-hatching creates texture with intersecting lines, using their direction and spacing to suggest shading or the character of a surface. Impasto creates texture by applying thick paint that stands above the canvas. An artist might choose cross-hatching for controlled, drawn detail, while impasto is useful when they want a bold, raised surface that catches the light.