Learn to draw using texture

Use texture to create amazing realism in artworks

Every object has a texture.  

Water has a smooth, shiny and reflective texture while grass has a rough and pointy texture.  You can experiment with different lines to create interesting looking textures.  Short scribble lines can be used to create the texture on a tennis ball while longer curvy lines can be used for curly human hair.  Texture is a great way to express yourself.

Texture is a provider of vital information of a drawing's characteristics and surface detail.  I can indicate whether an object's surface is smooth, rough, jagged or shiny.  When you draw a composition with different objects, you should take texture into consideration.  To create a visually appealing composition of say three objects, use three different textured objects instead of using objects with similar textures.  For example instead of making a composition out of a glass window, glass of water and shiny ball, use a glass of water, textured material bag and some organic seeds or some shells.  

Use different mediums and varied lines to create texture

Don't be afraid to let go a bit and experiment with different mediums like charcoal, ink, pencil, different papers and so on.  As you experiment, you will learn what works and what doesn't.   You can also use different types of lines to create visually stimulating texture.  Vary the thickness of your line and relax your hand for for the best results.  You can experiment with sharp and blunt pencils.  You can also hold the tip of the pencil flat against the paper, pressing hard and soft to get different styles.

Frottage

You remember when you were a child and you use to take coins and put a paper over it and then use the flat side of your pencil and rub it over the paper.  What you were then left with was a impression of the coin.  Well that is called frottage.  Frottage is a French term and it means to take an impression by rubbing.  Many artist in the twentieth century used this technique, like Max Ernst.  If you have an open mind towards your materials used in your drawings, this is an easy way you can add texture to your drawing.  You can make an impression of wood with beautiful grains and use it in a drawing as a table surface.  You can do the same with different leaves and then combine them and use them as trees in a forest   The possibilities are endless.  Charcoal is a great medium to combine with frottage.

An important thing to remember when you apply texture to a drawing is that all the other drawing elements still apply.  You must still spend time on your shape and line and also remember that you must still apply tonal value and show volume.  When most beginner apply texture they sometimes spend so much time on their texture and then it is amazing but they completely neglected the rest of the elements and then the drawing is still lacking.  

I can promise that if you add texture to your drawing while still applying all the different drawing elements, you will amaze yourself and leave others awe-struck.  It is a smart trick to making your drawing look like a master piece, if used correctly.

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