The language of art...a silent dialogue between the artist and the viewer... It's not until your hands, feet, mind, and heart start to interact with art that this connectivity revives itself. The 'magic' of abstract textured art is how physical depth can 'transform' an ordinary flat surface into an 'experience.'
The way we feel about our homes today is very different than it was just a few short years ago, and textured artwork is adding another layer of emotion. Art adds that little extra touch when viewing an empty wall.
Let us take a look at what makes this form resonate in the hearts of so many and how it's evolving the concept of living space.
Tactile Art
For traditional painting, depth is created through the use of illusions. Tactile art creates depth in a much more real way, with actual 3-dimensional shapes that pop off the surface of the canvas by using several layers of plaster, gels, fabric, sand, or palette knife technique to create texture and form that catches the light during the day and creates shadows.
Because of the tactile aspect of the piece, it creates more of an emotional connection between the viewer and the artist; even when you do not touch it, you can feel the texture and shape of the piece, i.e., the ridges, the grooves, and the movement of the art.
It is this unique ability of textured art to transform a flat 2D canvas into a dynamic 3D work of art that makes it special.
Emotions in Texture Art
When looking at a piece of abstract art, there is typically no right or wrong way to interpret the piece. Adding texture only enhances the ability to connect emotionally to a piece of abstract art.
The more layers of texture on a surface, the more intense, chaotic, or passionate the viewer sees. Textures that flow smoothly tend to express peace and serenity, while rough, uneven finishes indicate rawness, authenticity, or, in some cases, something that is unfinished. Smooth sculpted shapes that follow a wave-like pattern convey a feeling of peace, fluidity, and rhythm.
There is no defined subject in an abstract piece of textured art; therefore, each viewer brings his or her own experience and emotions into the story. One person may see the ocean; another may see sand dunes in the desert or clouds drifting across the sky. The art serves as a mirror for the viewer's mind.
Why Texture Matters So Much in Modern Interior Design
Clean lines and open spaces with little or no clutter are popular features of modern interior design. However, while they provide for a calm and relaxing feeling for the person who spends time in the space, they can also leave the person feeling like the area is too flat or stuck in a rut visually. The texture of the textures used in modern interior design can significantly alter the look and feel of the environment.
To help elevate a space through texture, consider the following:
1. Textured Artwork Provides Depth to a Room Without Adding Clutter
Rather than placing multiple pieces of decorative art in a room to create richness and depth, textured artwork can achieve the same level of adding depth, yet only one piece of textured artwork is needed.
2. Textured Artworks Enhance Light Interaction
With the ability of textured artwork to reflect both natural and artificial light off of the contours, or raised areas, of the texture of the artwork, it offers an opportunity for users to witness the change in the artwork due to exposure to both types of light.
3. Textured Artwork Can Be Used as a Focal Point
In a neutral environment, such as a neutral-colored bedroom or living room, one textured piece of artwork will provide a visual anchor for the entire area.
4. Textured Artworks Will Help Soften the Architectural 'Hardness' of Modern Furniture
While modern-style furniture often has very angular shapes and edges, textured art can be a nice addition of visual warmth and softness to the décor of an area.
The Ascendance of 3D Textural Art
A major innovative trend that has gained momentum in modern design is the use of 3D textural art. This form of modern design differs from traditional textural artworks in that it has a bolder three-dimensional sculptural quality.
3D textural artists often employ thick media and various sculptural implements to create surface "highs" and "lows" that transcend the edges of the artwork into your living environment. Textured elements in wave and ridge formations or with floral-like patterns, and even with abstract forms, create a unique visual and spatial experience:
3D textural wall art pieces are a hybrid between painting and sculpture that, when placed within your environment, bring life to your space:
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Minimalist bedrooms that require a gentle focal point
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Modern living rooms with lofty ceiling heights
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Creative office environments that inspire creativity
Memorable entryways that become the centerpiece of your entry space.
Subtle Color, Strong Emotion
Modern textured artworks are typically painted in soft, neutral shades like beiges, whites, greys, and warm earth tones. By using these neutral colors, the artist can highlight their artwork’s texture.
Monochromatic 3D textured wall art will look very different from various angles. Warm lights will give the artwork a warm and sculptural feel; in direct daylight (without the ambient glow of warm bulbs) it will likely have an open and peaceful quality. With the absence of bright colors, the quiet appearance of the textures gives a contemporary-wall-decor style, but the material itself creates a visual adventure for you.
The ability to provide balance to today’s contemporary styles of home design has created a preference towards subtlety rather than boldness.
Emotional Peace in Your Space
The emotional response created by textured artwork has some effect on the person encountering it.
Many abstract textured artworks include repeated patterns, flowing lines, and soft organic shapes to create the illusion of rhythm. This rhythm can trigger an emotional response similar to the way watching clouds or waves goes about relaxing and providing a sense of security.
Textured artwork promotes an atmosphere of tranquillity in the bedroom. When incorporated into a living room, it creates an invitation to sit and relax. Within designated reading and/or meditation areas, it creates a sense of serenity and peace.
This is the type of art that holds your attention, rather than demanding it.
Craftsmanship Behind the Canvas
Creating texture in the painting is a slow, artistic process. Unlike flat paintings, each layer must completely dry before the next layer can be applied. An artist sculpts surfaces by using a palette knife, brush, or even "dirt" (his/her hands). Various techniques include carving into semi-dried material to create intricate designs and patterns.
Due to the time-consuming nature of this artistic process, each piece has an individual identity; no two pieces of texture form exactly the same way. Even when an artist creates a piece with the same technique, the flow of the material and the movement of the artist's hand create a unique piece of artwork.
When creating texture on a surface, the artist has a physical connection to the surface; the artist literally shapes the piece through the artist's physical touch. Thus, the handcrafted quality of texture wall art creates a personal touch for the viewer.
How to Select the Perfect Textured Artwork for Your Home
If you are considering creating a room with textured art, then keep these few things in mind:
✔ Consider The Size Of The Wall!
A large wall can take bold 3-dimensional shapes that use very intricate patterns with lots of depth. A small wall is usually better suited for delicate textures that are not as deep or defined.
✔ Match The Mood To The Artwork!
The texture on the artwork should reflect the mood you want the room to convey. For example, a flowing, wave-like texture may work well for a bedroom, which is typically a calm environment. However, thicker and more dramatic textures lend themselves well to living/dining room spaces.
✔ Think About How You Will Light The Artwork!
Using spotlights or wall washers can create interesting and dramatic highlights and shadows on your textured artwork, allowing it to really "pop" in a room.
✔ Together, Not Matching!
Do not feel that your artwork must match your couch and/or curtains. Instead, choose tones that complement the overall color scheme of your room while allowing the texture of the artwork to remain the focus of attention.
More Than Décor—An Ongoing Interaction
Every time you view an abstract textured artwork, it can surprise you—whether it's a new shadow line in the morning light or an unexpected fine-tune in the evening light. Each piece of textured artwork changes as the seasons change, and each person sees things differently based on who/what/where/when they are looking at them.
Unlike fashion trends that might come and go, textured artwork has an enduring quality to it based on the nature of its creation and appreciation. Texture offers an emotional and creative connection through the physical representation of energy and depth.
In today's society, where we rely on screens and are constantly bombarded with fast-paced visual graphics, we must reconnect with something tangible, authentic, and genuine, while also acknowledging that beauty doesn't always exist in a "perfect" state or shape. There are instances when, due to the layers of experience, raw edges, and human feeling, layer upon layer of expression is evident.
To Conclude
Art has a purpose beyond merely filling up empty spaces on the wall; it is meant to be experienced with pauses and affections and with contemplations and the feeling of connectivity with others. Textured abstract paintings & sculptural canvas artworks provide that connection.
From a colorful, stand-alone work to add drama and flair to a living space to tranquil art pieces with a feeling of meditation, all types of textured art will introduce personality into your home's modern decor by utilizing silence and subtlety with shadow and being constructed with layers of paint and texture, as though they are poetry in themselves.
There are times when one wishes to refresh or update the style of a room without completely changing the character of that space, and textured art provides that perfect opportunity, in that many of the life experiences that you might want to convey through art may, in fact, be designated by the layers in which they were created rather than by any actual line-based representation of that experience.
