the different lines, patterns, and textures we create in a piece of art. It applies to any art material on any surface. It can be loose and gestural or controlled and neat. It can apply to any material used on any surface: paint on canvas, ink or pencil on paper, a scratched mark on plaster, a digital paint tool on a screen. express feeling and emotions in response to something seen or something felt gestural qualities can be used to create a purely abstract composition.