What does the term 'texture' in art refer to?

The term 'texture' in art refers specifically to the surface quality of an artwork. This quality can be experienced in two ways: tactile texture, which relates to how an object feels when touched, and visual texture, which refers to the illusion of texture created by the artist through techniques such as brush strokes, layering, and the use of different materials. Artists often manipulate texture to enhance the sensory experience of the piece, drawing the viewer's attention and influencing their perception of depth and reality within the artwork. This can add complexity and richness to the visual experience, inviting the viewer to explore not just the visual elements, but also the implied sensations associated with the textures. The other options do not capture the comprehensive definition of texture; they relate to color, size, and emotional themes, which are distinct characteristics of art but do not define texture itself.