Investigating Texture

All it takes is a quick walk on the beach, and I have all the texture an artist could ever hope for.  

As I walk on the beach, I look down, and there are the inspirations for my "toescapes" -- my paintings of the earth's texture that lies just beyond my toes. Sandy beaches, frog ponds, and even highly textured sidewalks have all been inspiration for my wonderful toescapes.

The point is, texture is an important facet of a painting, whether it's a cool, fluid watercolor of a sky or a multi-media frenzy of stipples and scratches. Texture is something to pay attention to in a painting. It gives depth and interest.

My beach walks are inspiring. I take my time and look down, snap some photos, and feel the sand and shells with my fingertips. I grab a few stones and some seaweed and place them in my pocket. I've even been known to place a handfull of sand in my pocket, which is challenging to get out once I'm home.

The point is, I truly investigate texture. I touch it, smell it, and carefully study colors and shapes. I take found objects home with me so I can use them in my painting studies. I photograph and print them out for my studies. When I'm in my studio, I'll place stones, shells, and sand in front of me, while I'll tape close-up photos on the top of my easel.

I'll incorporate all my experiences -- nature walks, senses, and the objects/printouts that I place in my studio -- into my painting experience for the day.

--Mary Hubley