Textural Relief

Here is an activity which can be used as a scaffolding activity or as a final work. The focus is on composition and texture.


Many students do not consider texture when creating art. This activity allows students to explore this area.

1. First collect materials which have a tactile quality such as: lace, beads, paper doilies, mesh, netting, hessian, string, etc. You can also use modelling compound and scratch into it to create texture.

2. On a sturdy piece of cardboard, arrange and paste the objects to create a textural relief design. Craft or PVA glue is the best. Leave overnight to completely set.

Here is an example of a Textural Relief Collage.  I used pony beads, the rubber mesh used to stop mats from slipping, lace, and ribbon.

3.  The next step is to complete cover the collage with paint.  You can choose one colour or two.  I ask students to make sure that they cannot see any of the original colours.  This process allows students to just focus on texture.  Let the paint dry completely.

4. The next stage is to highlight raised areas of the textures.  This is best done by using a metallic paint and a dry brush.  Apply a small amount of paint onto the brush and dab the brush to remove excess paint.  Lightly drag the brush across the top of the collage.  Areas which are raised will be painted with the metallic paint.

Here is an example of the final product.

Here are a few student examples from a Year 10 Art class: