What does "Texture" refer to in art?

Texture in art refers to the surface quality or feel of an object. This can include both the tactile sensation that one might experience when touching the artwork—such as rough, smooth, soft, or hard surfaces—and the visual representation of texture that creates an illusion of depth and dimension. Artists often use various techniques to depict texture, such as brush strokes, layering, and different materials, which can enhance the viewer's experience and evoke a sense of the materiality of the piece. By conveying texture effectively, an artist can make the artwork feel more realistic or emotionally resonant, inviting viewers to engage more deeply with what they are seeing.