Inspired by the expressive works of contemporary artist [insert artist’s name], whose bold textures bring stories to life through colour and form.

When we think about abstract art, the first image that often comes to mind is something non-figurative — work that isn’t tied to recognisable objects. It invites us to explore, imagine, and interpret the story behind the creation. Add texture into the mix, and the artwork takes on a new dimension, carrying not only colour and shape but also the suggestion of touch.

Texture creates depth, rhythm, and movement. It can make a painting feel alive, even though the audience can’t physically touch it. In galleries, where the rule is “look but don’t touch,” artists rely on texture to communicate sensations like roughness, smoothness, or thickness purely through the eye. I once saw a canvas layered with thick ridges of acrylic paint that resembled a skyline; my hand twitched as though I could trace it, though it was entirely visual.

Artists use a wide range of techniques to achieve these effects. A palette knife is a classic choice, but forks, combs, stencils, and bubble wrap can create striking patterns. Materials are just as experimental — grains of salt, sand, scraps of fabric, tissues, or straw can all find their way into a canvas. Some contemporary painters even embed plaster or textiles into acrylics, turning a flat surface into something almost sculptural.

Layers of acrylic paint are often built up to add thickness and draw attention to focal points. Sometimes the simplest addition — a raised line or patch of rough paint — changes the way the eye moves across the canvas. In this kind of abstract texture art, the surface itself becomes the subject, carrying the artist’s thoughts and emotions forward.

Every abstract painting tells its own story, but texture sharpens the emotional edge. It gives the piece presence and energy — a quality you can sense even without touching it. That’s why texture has become such a powerful part of modern abstract painting, allowing artists to create works that are not only seen, but also felt.