The Ultimate List of Texture in Art Examples

I have created for you the ultimate list of texture in art examples, broken down by media and types of texture, to use in your classroom to teach the element of design texture.

Texture is one of the elements and principles of art that relates to how something would feel if it were touched. There are several kinds of texture–from actual texture in art where the artwork has a certain physical tactile surface, or it could be visual texture or implied texture where the artwork looks as if it feels a certain way (but actually doesn’t).

This post is a part of my elements and principles of art series.

Actual Texture in Art

Actual texture is the physical feel an artwork has. From the silky texture of the paint to the rough texture of stone, artists use texture to add interest, create emphasis and expression, and add depth to their work.

Best Artist that Uses Actual Texture

You absolutely cannot teach actual texture without pulling in the work of Anselm Keifer. In both his sculpture and his paintings, he mixes in all sorts of different textures in art such as glass, sand, dried flowers, ash, broken ceramics, straw, and more. His art is bold, dark, and emotional, and the textures contribute to the mood of his work. He was born in Germany at the tail end of World War II. His art shows his attempt to come to terms with the history of his country. Learn more about his work here.

Actual Texture in Art Examples, Two-Dimensional

• Marcia Gygli King, The Family, from The Culture Series, 2005
• Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night, 1889
• Anselm Kiefer, Aschenblume, 1983-97
• Justin Gaffrey, Any
• J.M.W. Turner, Rain, Steam, and Speed–The Great Western Railway, 1844
• Iran, Silk Kashan Carpet, 16th century
• Terese Agnew, Portrait of a Textile Worker, 2005

Actual Texture in Sculpture

• Ife, Head, possible a King, 12th-14th century
• Meret Oppenheim, Object, 1936
• Robert Rauschenberg, Monogram, 1955-59
• Constantin Brancusi, Bird in Space, 1925
• Donatello, Penitent Magdalene, 1453-1455
• Michaelangelo, The Awakening Slave (Design for Julius II Tomb), 1536
• Auguste Rodin, Thought Emerging From Matter, 1895
• Benin, Head of an Oba, 18th Century
• Mike Kelley, More Love Hours Than Can Ever Be Repaid and The Wages of Sin, 1987
• Buddhas from the Otagi-Nenbutsi Temple, Kyoto Japan
• Ka’apor culture, Necklace with attached flute, 1955-1962
• Asmat people, Body Mask (Det), mid-20th century
• Fred Wilson, Mining the Museum, Metalwork, 1793-1880

Actual Texture in Architecture

• Maya Lin, Vietnam Memorial, Washington D.C., 1982
• Ancient Egypt, The Great Pyramid of Giza, c. 2580–2560 BCE
• Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater, 1936
• Antoni Gaudi, Sagrada Família, 1882-present
• Cambodia, Angkor Wat Temple, 12th century
• India, Meenakshi Amman Temple, 1623-1655

Visual Texture / Implied Texture

Visual texture in art (also called Implied Texture) is texture that is not actually real. The artist creates the illusion of textures through manipulation of the media.

Best Artist that Uses Visual Texture

There are so many masterful artists who create visual texture, but if I had to pick one, I would go with Albrecht Durer. He’s a master in creating textures in multiple media.

Visual Texture Examples in Painting

• Albrecht Durer, Portrait of Hieronymus Holzschuher, 1526
• Ralph Goings, Ralph’s Diner, 1982
• Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith Slaying Holofernes, 1614
• Max Ernst, Europe After Rain II, 1940-42
• Jan van Eyck, The Arnolfini Portrait, 1434
• Gustave Caillebotte, Place de l’Europe on a Rainy Day, 1876-1877
• Salvador Dalí, Girl at a Window, 1925
• Pieter Claesz, Still Life with a Skull and a Writing Quill, 1628
• Albrecht Durer, Young Hare, 1502
• Jason de Graaf, Oil Paintings (Any)
• Teresa Elliott, Deliverance

Visual Texture Examples in Drawing

• Vija Celmins, Drypoint – Ocean Surface, 1983
• Leonardo da Vinci, Portrait of a Man in Red Chalk, c. 1512
• Emanuele Dascania, Pencil Drawings (Any)
• Samuel Silva, Ballpoint Pen Drawings (Any)
• Armin Mersmann, Eye Drawings

Visual Texture Examples in Sculpture

• Ron Mueck, Hyperrealistic Sculptures, Any (especially Mask II)
• R. Fukahori, 3-D Paintings (Any)
• Keng Lye, 3-D Paintings (Any)
• El Anatsui, Dusasa II, 2007
• Gianlorenzo Bernini, The Rape of Proserpina, 1621-1622

Do you have a great example to teach the element of design texture? Share it with me in the comments, and I will add it to the list!

There you have it! The best texture in art examples for your elements and principles of art lessons. Want more elements and principles of art teacher resources? Check out the below posts.