What does texture in art refer to?

Texture in art refers to the way a three-dimensional work feels when touched, encompassing both physical and visual aspects. In the context of visual arts, texture can be real, meaning it can be physically felt, or it can be implied, meaning it is created through techniques that suggest a surface quality without actual tactile interaction. For example, an artist may use various materials or brush strokes to give the appearance of roughness or smoothness in a painting.

The other options provided do not accurately define texture. While the visual arrangement of colors in a painting relates to composition, it does not address surface feel or tactile qualities. The use of shapes to create patterns pertains more to form and design rather than texture. Lastly, the emotional impact of a performance is associated with the response elicited from the audience, which falls under a completely different aspect of art—specifically, performance art—rather than the tactile experience or visual characteristics of texture.