Art basics - Texture and Light

Texture is the surface quality of the object. In two dimensional art it is implied texture—how objects look like they would feel if you could touch them.

Textured items reflect light differently. The more texture the less reflection of light.

Light in a painting can be dramatic, mysterious, cold, hot, dappled, rainy, and can make patterns, shapes, etc. The direction of light, where the light source is coming from, influences how the shadows in picture will be formed. There are 3 categories of shadow: the shadow side of the object, the shadow cast by the object, and proximity shadows caused when objects touch or nearly touch each other.

The contrast between dark and light not only defines space and form, but it also conveys feelings and drama. Light can express good while dark can express evil.