How do we make our two-dimensional medium feel like three-dimensions? We know using leading lines help bring viewers into the image. For instance, a country road that narrows in the middle and disappears in the top of the frame gives the viewer the feeling of depth.

Texture, however, gives us the visual quality of a surface — how rough, smooth, gritty, or soft it appears in a two-dimensional image. For instance, it lets us imagine how rough a mountain would feel. When you look at this image, you can almost feel the roughness, coarseness and sharp edges.

Wood on an old weathered barn, invites us to become enveloped in textures and colors. You can see the danger of getting a splinter and almost feel the rough texture of the old wood. Have you hugged a tree lately? Doesn’t this old tree look inviting. It’s the texture creating that invitation. And, add the symbiotic relationship of lichen making its home on a tree we can feel and see two types of textures.

Leaves also have different textures. The spiny cactus would certainly prick your hand if you grabbed it. But the leathered leaf would feel smooth to your touch. Just looking at each picture, I pick touching the leathered leaf. I can feel its thick, smooth and veiny quality.

Soft textures can be found in the strands of yarn and in the beautiful feathers of a bird. I know what those strands of yarn feel like; but I’ve never held an egret. But seeing those fine feathers spread out on its wing, I can imagine how soft they would feel.

And, last my favorite texture–rust. I don’t have to touch it to feel it’s rough surface and see its brilliant colors. I can almost jump into the rusty texture and strip off years of neglect. Just looking at the picture, I’m absorbed in the story and its history.

Texture helps my two-dimensional examples have a three-dimensional quality. Now it’s your turn. Show us your images where texture plays an integral part. When you share your post, please remember to link it to mine and use the Lens-Artists tag.

Last week we all had fun finding pictures for our quotes or quotes for our pictures1 Thanks Ann-Christine for that amazing challenge! Next week Ritva will be presenting the challenge. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient!