Fourteen
Grounded
Adding texture
tex·ture| ˈteksCHər | noun the feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface or substance: skin texture and tone | the cheese is firm in texture | the different colors and textures of bark. • the character or appearance of a textile fabric as determined by the arrangement and thickness of its threads: a dark shirt of rough texture. • Art the tactile quality of the surface of a work of art. • the quality created by the combination of the different elements in a work of music or literature: a closely knit symphonic texture. verb [with object] give (something) a rough or uneven texture: the artist textures the paper with scalpel blades.
from the ground up
Creating your own library of textures, grounds, and surfaces can be an efficient and effective way of making your images stand out. It’s also a great way to get things started quickly, and get over the fear of a blank page. By adding textures or starting with a ground it can quickly add atmosphere, movement, and lighting to your images. For an iconic image it can be used to establish focal points and add character to digital or traditional imagery.
As a sketchbook exercise it can also be a calming and relaxing way to practice as you build a library of content. More in the video below (6 minutes)
