top of page
Search
Writer's pictureMeg Navarro
Aug 222 min read

Exploring Texture in Art: Tips for Adding Depth to Your Work

Texture plays a crucial role in bringing artwork to life, adding depth and dimension that engages viewers. Here are some tips for incorporating texture into your art to make your pieces more dynamic and visually appealing.


1. Layering Techniques

Layering different materials or mediums can create a rich, textured effect. Try layering:

  • Paints: Use different types of paint (acrylic, oil) to build up texture.

  • Mixed Media: Combine materials like fabric, paper, or sand to add physical depth.

A vibrant and creative scene showcasing layering techniques in art. The image features various materials and mediums such as acrylic and oil paints, fabric, paper, and sand, layered together to create rich textures. Brushes, a palette, and mixed media supplies are scattered around, highlighting the process of building up texture and depth in the artwork.

2. Collage Elements

Incorporate collage into your artwork by adding various materials like:

  • Newspaper or Magazine Clippings

  • Tissue Paper or Fabric Scraps

  • Found Objects

A vibrant and creative scene showcasing collage elements incorporated into artwork. The collage includes newspaper and magazine clippings, tissue paper, fabric scraps, and found objects, all arranged in a visually appealing and textured composition.

3. Textured Mediums

Experiment with textured mediums like modeling paste or gel mediums. These can be mixed with paint or applied directly to the canvas to create unique textures.

A creative scene showcasing textured mediums in use. The image includes a canvas with modeling paste and gel mediums being applied, creating unique textures. Paint and brushes are visible, highlighting the process of experimenting with these mediums to add depth and interest to the artwork.

4. Using Natural Materials

Incorporate natural materials like leaves, sand, or bark into your work. These elements can add organic textures and connect your art to the natural world.

A creative scene showcasing the use of natural materials in art. The image features leaves, sand, and bark being incorporated into an artwork, creating organic textures. Paints and brushes are also visible, highlighting the process of integrating these natural elements.

5. Brush Techniques

Explore different brush techniques to add texture:

  • Dry Brush: Use a dry brush with minimal paint for a scratchy texture.

  • Stippling: Dab the brush onto the canvas to create small dots or patterns.

A creative scene showcasing different brush techniques to add texture in art. The image features an artist using dry brush and stippling techniques on a canvas, with various brushes and paint tubes visible.

6. Exploring Surfaces

Different surfaces can enhance the texture in your artwork:

  • Canvas: Offers a textured base for painting.

  • Wood Panels: Provide a sturdy, textured surface for mixed media.

  • Textured Paper: Adds an interesting base texture for drawings or watercolors.

A creative scene showcasing different surfaces for artwork texture.

Incorporating texture into your artwork can transform flat images into engaging, multi-dimensional pieces. By experimenting with various techniques and materials, you can add depth and interest to your work. Embrace the process, and let your creativity flow!


For more tips and art classes, visit Megapixels School of the Arts.

12 views0 comments
bottom of page