The Ultimate List of Texture in Art Examples

Inside: A curated collection of texture in art examples—organized by media and type, including both actual and implied texture to spark student curiosity and conversation.

Texture is one of those elements students can almost feel. Whether it’s the thick, tactile brushstrokes of a Van Gogh painting or the illusion of softness in a drawn fabric, texture invites the senses into the visual experience.

In this post, you’ll find a wide range of artworks that demonstrate texture in all its forms—perfect for your next art appreciation lesson, critique, or creative project.

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This post is part of the Elements of Art series—a comprehensive collection of artwork examples and teaching tools for your classroom.

Want printable resources that pair with these artworks? These art interpretation worksheets are ready to go and perfect for sparking deeper engagement.

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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
• Samuel Silva, Ballpoint Pen Drawings (Any)
• Armin Mersmann, Eye Drawings

Visual Texture Examples in Sculpture

• Ron Mueck, A Boy, 2005
• Ron Mueck, A Girl, 2006
• R. Fukahori, 3-D Paintings (Any)
• Keng Lye, 3-D Paintings (Any)
• El Anatsui, Dusasa II, 2007

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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.