KQED: Element of Texture

This video explains texture, and spends time discussing real vs. implied texture. It includes a lot of useful information for students, especially upper elementary kids!

Some Definitions!

Implied textures are textures you can only see, but not feel.

Real textures are seen in art with actual texture (i.e., if the paint is layered so that it becomes three-dimensional).

*Pictures at definitions from KQED: Element of Texture Video.

My Artwork

Since our texture activity was combined with the element of colour (for the plasticine relief activity), I tried this rubbing activity to include in this section of the sketchbook!

Instructions for rubbing activity:

Materials:

  • Piece of paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Crayon or pencil
  • Materials/ surfaces that have texture

Here is a picture of my texture practice activity! I had so much fun going around my house and finding surfaces with interesting textures. This would be such a fun activity to teach a class about implied versus real textures!

Critical Analysis

As a class, we did not do a critical analysis focusing explicitly on texture. However, we did discuss some elements of texture when analyzing Barbara Reid’s art (the critical analysis image for this is in the element of colour). I think Barbara Reid’s art demonstrates texture in such a fun way and her artwork would be great for a critical analysis for texture, especially to talk about how texture can add emotion to your artwork! Here is an image I found from her website that would be fun to use for a critical analysis for Grades 3-5.

Some More Resources!

This webpage explains a fun activity that can be used for the discovery component of the lesson, where students participate in a texture hunt. They can draw something with implied texture (i.e., a rough alligator), and then find something in the classroom with an actual rough texture. I would use this activity for students in Grade 3/4.

I also found another texture activity that would be fun to use for Kindergarten/ Grade 1 students. This activity involves turning crumpled paper into colourful artwork and it would be really fun to introduce the concept of texture! This lesson is inspired by the book Ish, by Peter H. Reynolds, so incorporating a real-aloud to this story would be really enjoyable for the kids!