What Texture in Art Can’t Say Online
Let me ask you something.
Have you ever looked at a painting online and thought, “Hmm… nice colours,” then moved on?
But later, when you saw it in person, it hit you in the chest?
Like suddenly, the painting was speaking and the photo had been mute?
That difference… that shift… it’s all about texture in art.
And as someone who creates textured abstract art and spends way too much time trying to photograph it, I can tell you: what texture says in person, it can’t whisper online.
P.S. Throughout this post, you’ll see a few images of my abstract paintings where I’ve tried to capture the texture as best I can.
I took some close-up and angled shots, since head-on photos often miss the depth and detail that texture brings. While no photo can fully replace seeing a piece in person, I hope these glimpses help bring the topic to life as you read.
Texture Isn’t Just Visual, It’s a Language
Let’s slow down for a moment because this part really matters.
Texture in art isn’t decoration. It’s not just technique. It’s a language, which took me a very long time to learn.
In abstract painting, where images aren’t literal and meaning isn’t spelt out, surface texture in art becomes part of the message, a way for the painting to speak.
It tells its own story.
By the way, texture is one of the main elements in abstract art and I’ve written about it in my blog The Elements of Abstract Art.
Every Texture Has a Voice
When I build texture into abstract painting, I’m not just adding physical layers, I’m layering emotion, energy and intention.
Here are just a few of the types of texture in painting I work with and what they often say:
- Rough texture: Think of thick, jagged or gritty surfaces. This can express conflict, struggle, raw emotion or tension. It almost dares the viewer to look closer, to feel discomfort or curiosity.
- Smooth texture: Calm. Clarity. Peace. These areas often invite rest and breathing space within a painting. They allow the eyes (and the heart) to settle.
- Layered texture: Build up over time, this can feel like a record of a journey. Each layer might hide or reveal what came before, suggesting memory, transformation or depth. There’s a history in it.
- Scratched or scraped texture: Often born from moments of change, when something isn’t working and needs to be removed, altered or uncovered. These marks can represent vulnerability or release.
- Soft/feathered texture: These might show up as gentle blends, dry brushwork or powdery finishes. They carry emotion too, like a whisper instead of a shout.
And here’s the thing: none of this needs to be “read” the way you read a book.
Texture in art or abstract art is more felt than explained. But once you know to look for it, you start to pick up the mood it creates, the rhythm it builds, the soul it carries.
Why Texture Changes the Entire Experience of a Painting
When you’re standing in front of a textured painting, you don’t just see it, you sense it.
You might tilt your head to catch the light on the raised surface. You might notice how a rough patch creates contrast with a smooth one. You might feel tension in the layers or comfort in the softness.
That’s the kind of dialogue you can only have when the painting is right in front of you.
What to Look For When You See a Painting In Person
Next time you’re in a gallery or an art show or even just browsing a local artist’s work, pause. Step closer. Tilt your head. Look into the surface, not just at it.
Ask yourself:
- Where does the surface rise or fall?
- Does the texture shift across the painting or stay consistent?
- What emotion do those textures bring out in you?
That’s where the story is. That’s where you and the painting meet.
Download the Free Guide: How to Feel the Story in Texture
If you want to take this experience to the next level, I’ve put together a quick Texture Spotting Guide that’ll help you know exactly what to look for when you encounter textured artwork.
It’s a simple checklist of things you can ask yourself to make sure you’re truly feeling the painting’s message.
Download the PDF Guide: “How to Feel the Story in Texture”. Click here to download the guide and take it with you on your next art adventure.
It’s free and no sign-up is required.
What Gets Lost on the Screen
Let’s be real: we all consume a ton of art online. It’s fast. It’s accessible. It’s convenient. But texture? Texture in art doesn’t do speed. Texture is a slow burn.
When my work is flattened into a digital image, it loses:
- The way light reflects across raised paint.
- The feeling of motion in thick brushwork.
- The shadows between layers that suggest depth, time, emotion.
Photos flatten. Screens sanitise. The soul of the painting gets filtered out.
Here’s What Happens When People See My Work In Person
I’ve had people walk into my studio, stop mid-step and say nothing.
They lean in. They tilt their heads. They squint. Some even reach out to touch the surface before they catch themselves.
Why?
Because something clicks. Something they didn’t see online suddenly feels real, grounded, full of presence.
They notice:
- The subtle pull of gravity in a dried drip.
- The way a brushstroke rises off the canvas like a scar.
- The echo of the artist’s hand, mine, is still alive in the paint.
That’s the soul I’m talking about. And no matter how good the photo is, it’ll never fully carry that moment.
From One Artist to One Curious Soul
I’ll keep sharing my work online, of course. It’s a beautiful way to connect with people everywhere. But if you ever find yourself thinking, “I like this, but I could really feel it…”, know that I’m thinking the exact same thing.
Texture in art is the heartbeat of a painting. And you can only hear it up close.
Before You Go, Let Texture Be Your Guide
If you’ve made it this far, thank you.
I hope this post has opened up a new way of looking at art, especially texture in art, and helped you feel just how much a painting can say when you really stand in front of it.
Here’s something else to think about:
Understanding texture doesn’t just deepen your appreciation, it can also help you choose the right painting for your space.
Whether you want something calming, bold, layered or raw, texture adds emotional weight to a painting that can completely change the atmosphere of a room. Once you start noticing texture, you’ll start noticing how it feels to live with a piece.
If you’re on the journey of finding the perfect abstract painting, check out my blog: How to Choose Abstract Art for Your Home: 10 Essential Tips.
In it you’ll find a free downloadable guide to help with your selection, plus a fun little quiz to point you in the right direction based on your personality and space.
Lastly, I’d love to hear from you.
Was this post helpful? Did something about texture finally click for you? Do you have a question about a piece you’re looking at or one you already own?
Leave a comment below or ask anything that’s on your mind relating to art. I’ll do my best to help however I can.
Thanks again for reading.
And next time you see a painting in person… lean in close. Let it speak.
4 May 2025 @ 6:53 pm
Texture, as you say, adds an extremely important dimension to art. I didn’t really think about it too much until I began reading this blog post, but I did know, and feel, that my digital art does not convey the depth I desire. I hope to experiment with this more as I continue to paint digitally. Sometimes I feel I have hit the mark, if only just, but I know that the depth of real texture is always missing. I want so much to be able to convey that, without having to resort to traditional painting. For me the holdback is always the cost. I wonder if you have ever calculated the cost of one of your painting that uses loads of paint to get the desired texture. Perhaps it’s too scary to think about, and best not to do so. 😊
I like how the angled view of the third image (Texture-in-abstract-art-by-ezeeart) has a whole new essence, for me much like an aerial view of a cityscape with its many elevations.
Thanks for your insights into art texture.
6 May 2025 @ 9:02 pm
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. I really appreciate you sharing your experience with digital art and texture. It’s true, there’s something about real, physical texture that just can’t be fully captured on a screen, no matter how advanced our devices get, in my opinion. I totally get what you mean about wanting to create that same sense of depth digitally. It’s a real challenge, but I like that you’re experimenting and pushing those boundaries.
A lot of the artwork you’ve shared in the forum already shows a wonderful sense of texture. It actually reminds me of an artist I met years ago who took photos of his paintings and then painted over parts of those photos to add even more depth and texture. He didn’t cover the whole photo, just selected certain areas to enhance. I can’t remember all the details of his process, but it was a really interesting approach.
And yes, the cost of all that paint can definitely add up, especially since I use quality paints. Years ago, I actually worked out the cost of the paints I use for different painting sizes and when you add in all the materials, it’s surprising how much it comes to. I’ve tried using lower quality, lower price paints before, but honestly, it just wasn’t the same joy or satisfaction. After decades of painting, I don’t really think much about the cost anymore, it’s just part of the process. But when I see the finished piece, with all its layers, texture and colour, it always feels absolutely worth it. I know for sure I couldn’t have achieved the same result with lower quality paints.
I’m glad you noticed the angled view of that painting. I like how a change in perspective can make the textures feel like something entirely new, like you said, almost like looking down at a city from above. That’s one of my favourite things about working with texture, it keeps surprising me. Actually, taking those close-up photos at an angle sparked a new idea for me. I’m now thinking about creating a painting with an angled perspective in mind, if that makes sense. It’s exciting how one small shift can open up a whole new direction.
Thanks again for reading and for your kind words. Wishing you lots of fun and discovery as you keep exploring texture in your digital art. It’s all part of the journey.
7 May 2025 @ 3:41 am
Thanks Suhail, for taking time to write this great reply!