Texture

On the opposite page are two very commonplace subjects in Connecticut—an old barn and a stone wall. The silvery quality and rotten, weather-beaten wood, complete with knot holes and rusty hinges, make the barn an intriguing subject for professional and amateur artist alike. This also applies to the picturesque New England stone wall. Both subjects are a challenge to any artist because of the subtleties of textures involved.

Notice how the structure of the fence wall is placed within a cube in order to get the proper dimension and perspective. Having done this first, then break up the wall into an interesting, irregular pattern.
 
To achieve the texture of the old wood in the barn, work from light to dark—a series of light washes. For the silvery quality of old weather-beaten wood use a thin wash of black. To show wood that is warped, work from the basic middle tones up through lighter tones to the dark shadow edge. Many of the texture effects are achieved by using an almost dry brush. Remember, it takes time and patience to get good texture. Don't finish any specific area—work over the whole picture until it is completed. If your light area gets too dark, use a bristle brush with clean water to make it light. If the area is large, use a sponge.

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