Texture

In your Higher Exam you can talk about the following areas of texture to gain marks when analysing work.

• the surface quality of a work

• the illusion of texture

• techniques used to create texture — for example visible brushstrokes, impasto, sgraffito, scumbling, collage, tool marks in sculpture

• description of texture — for example rough, smooth, soft, hard, fine, coarse

When answering a question it's good practice to have structure for each point you make. 

What - Name the visual element or expressive effect 

Where - Describe exactly where in the painting it is 

Why - Analyse what the impact of the element used has on the overall visual impact or mood and atmosphere of the piece.

Key - What - Blue, Where - Red, Why - Purple

The artist has applied oil paint to the mountains and rocks in an impasto-like technique, this creates an uneven texture, signifying the rough terrain creating a sense of realism within the piece. 

The artist has used white paint which he applied to the water using a stippling technique. This emphasises the ripples in the water and where the water meets the rocks in the foreground. This creates a frothy texture and gives the water a sense of movement.

The artist has applied paint to the building in layers using short brushstrokes which depicts the rough texture of the stone walls, while still a rough texture it contrasts with the rough textures of the rocks making the stone on the castle seem more refined. 

To achieve the illusion of moving grey clouds the artist has applied paint over the blue sky with a dry brush. This creates a realistic, softer and somewhat transparent appearance to the sky which contrasts with the water.