Which aspect of art includes the various surfaces and finishes that can be seen or felt?

The aspect of art that encompasses the various surfaces and finishes that can be seen or felt is texture. Texture refers to the tactile quality of a surface, which can be rough, smooth, soft, hard, etc. In visual arts, it can also describe the visual texture that appears when light interacts with a surface, creating depth and interest in a piece.

Texture can be actual (physical texture that can be felt) or implied (an illusion of texture created through artistic techniques, such as brushwork in painting). Understanding texture is crucial as it contributes significantly to the overall aesthetic experience of a work of art, influencing how viewers perceive and interact with it. It helps convey mood and emotion, adds dimensionality, and can even invoke a sensory response from the audience.