What element of art is illustrated by the technique of layering colors to create textures in a painting?

The technique of layering colors in a painting to create textures is directly related to the element of texture. Texture refers to the perceived surface quality of a work of art, which can be both visual and tactile. When artists layer colors, they can mimic the feel of various surfaces, such as roughness, smoothness, or depth, contributing to the overall sensory experience of the artwork.

In this context, texture enhances the visual complexity and can evoke emotions in the viewer, making it a fundamental aspect of the piece. Through techniques such as glazing, scumbling, or impasto, artists manipulate paint to produce a rich variety of textures that add interest and dimensionality to their work. While other elements like form, color, and line play important roles in art, the specific focus on layering to achieve a textured effect aligns most closely with the definition of texture in art.