Tactile Illusions
Applying textures can breathe life and bring a tangible sense to an artwork. Through the deliberate use of marks and brush strokes, we can engage the viewer with the illusion of feeling. Our natural world is full of inspiration and an inexhaustible number of textures from wet moss, waxy leaves, or flaky bark.
Texture
To create a convincing texture, it is essential to explore various rendering techniques. Trees are an excellent subject for texture experimentation. I specifically chose oak trees because the deep valleys and ridges of their bark offer a highly contrasting surface, unlike the smoother texture of mangrove roots. Additionally, oak trees often host other plant life and feature captivating, twisting forms that add another layer of depth. The intricate and sporadic nature of this texture isn’t easy to render without photographic reference, fortunately I’m surrounded by them. Working with your surroundings can be the most authentic way of finding inspiration, so get low to see what’s happening up close.