Art isn’t just about what you can see, but also about what you can feel, even if only metaphorically. Texture in art refers to the surface quality or “feel” of an object, its smoothness or roughness, softness or hardness. Texture can be physical (tactile) or visual. In this article, we will examine the use of texture in a very popular piece of art, Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” to better understand its effectiveness.
The Use of Texture in “Starry Night”
Vincent Van Gogh, a post-impressionist painter, was renowned for his unique use of texture. He often used thick, bold strokes of paint, a technique known as impasto. “Starry Night,” painted in 1889, is a great example of this technique.
- Sky: The sky in “Starry Night” is filled with swirling clouds, shining stars, and a bright crescent moon. Van Gogh used thick layers of paint to create a sense of movement and depth in the sky. The ridges and lumps of the paint can be seen and felt, which adds a tactile dimension to the artwork;
- Hills: The hills and the large cypress tree in the foreground have a similar texture to the sky. The thick, curving lines give a sense of movement and life to these inanimate objects;
- Houses: The houses in the village have a smoother texture compared to the rest of the painting. The strokes are less pronounced, creating a visual contrast with the sky and hills.
Texture in Different Areas of “Starry Night”
| Area | Texture Type | How It’s Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| Sky | Rough | Thick layers of paint, swirling brush strokes |
| Hills | Rough | Thick layers of paint, curving brush strokes |
| Houses | Smooth | Less pronounced brush strokes, less layering |
Effectiveness of Texture in “Starry Night”
Van Gogh’s use of texture in “Starry Night” is highly effective for several reasons:
- Movement: The texture in the sky and the hills gives a sense of swirling movement, making the painting dynamic and alive;
- Emotion: The rough, thick brush strokes evoke strong emotions. They add a level of intensity and passion to the painting, reflecting Van Gogh’s own emotional state;
- Contrast: The contrast between the rough texture of the sky and hills and the smooth texture of the houses emphasizes the difference between the natural and man-made world.
Comparative Analysis with Other Van Gogh’s Works
Van Gogh’s use of texture isn’t limited to “Starry Night.” He used similar techniques in other paintings as well, such as “Sunflowers” and “The Bedroom.”
Texture in Different Van Gogh’s Paintings
| Painting | Texture Type | How It’s Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | Rough | Thick layers of paint, bold brush strokes |
| The Bedroom | Mixed | Varying thickness of paint layers, differences in brush stroke direction and size |
Influence of Texture in “Starry Night” on Later Artists
Van Gogh’s use of texture has greatly influenced many artists who came after him. His Impasto technique became a staple in expressionist and abstract expressionist movements, seen in the works of artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning.
Influence of Van Gogh’s Texture Use on Later Artists
| Artist | Painting Influenced by Van Gogh’s Texture Use | How It’s Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson Pollock | “No. 5, 1948” | Dripping and pouring paint onto the canvas, creating a rough, layered surface |
| Willem de Kooning | “Woman I” | Thick, gestural brush strokes, heavy impasto |
Further Examination of Van Gogh’s Texture Techniques
As we delve deeper into the techniques that Van Gogh employed to create the unique textures in his works, we can identify two main methods:
- Impasto: Van Gogh is known for his use of the Impasto technique, which involves applying paint in thick layers to create texture. The paint is laid on the canvas so thickly that it seems to come out of the canvas, providing a three-dimensional feel. This technique is used extensively in “Starry Night,” especially in the swirling sky and the cypress tree.
Place a close-up photo of the impasto technique in “Starry Night” here; - Brushwork: Van Gogh’s distinct brushwork also contributes significantly to the texture in his paintings. His bold, unrestrained brush strokes created a sense of movement and urgency. In “Starry Night,” the contrasting smooth and rough textures between the buildings and the sky are achieved by varying the brushwork.
Van Gogh’s Texture Techniques in “Starry Night”
| Technique | Description | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Impasto | Applying paint in thick layers | Creates a three-dimensional feel, adds depth and intensity |
| Brushwork | Bold, unrestrained brush strokes | Creates a sense of movement, varies the texture |
The Impact of Texture in Art Appreciation
The texture in an artwork greatly influences how it is perceived and appreciated by viewers. This is especially true in Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”:
- Engagement: The varied textures in “Starry Night” draw the viewer in, encouraging them to explore the painting more closely;
- Emotional Response: The rough, swirling textures in the sky and the cypress tree can evoke strong emotions, adding to the painting’s overall impact;
- Aesthetic Value: The contrast between the smooth and rough textures enhances the painting’s visual appeal.
Conclusion
Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” showcases how effectively texture can evoke emotions and engage viewers. Van Gogh’s unique use of impasto and distinct brushwork created a textural contrast that brings the painting to life, demonstrating the transformative power of texture in art. Moreover, the influence of Van Gogh’s textural techniques on later artists underscores the enduring importance of texture as a tool for enhancing artistic expression and viewer experience.
