texture

The vertical density of a musical composition. While the nature of the texture is often one of the main distinguishing features of a work, particularly in 20th-century music, variety of texture is an important component of a work's progression and life in virtually all music.

texture

In art, the surface quality or appearance of a work; how the surface feels or how a work looks like it would feel. Texture, one of the formal art elements, can be experienced by the senses of sight and touch. Consequently, it can be simulated by the artist, for example making something look as though it is rough, or it can be made actual, for example the surface being textured either because of thickly applied paint, or the addition of granular material to the paint, such as sand. Texture can also be created by sticking items to the surface of the composition, as in collage.

When planning a work of art, the importance of texture should be considered in relation to the other formal art elements, such as colour or line. When used skilfully, texture creates contrast, stimulates the senses, and can give a composition both unity and variety.