Art Lesson: Texture and Blending. Texture is the way in which an artist depicts the quality or appearance of a surface. In this painting Wyland will explore painting the various textures of the Sea Otters and their surrounding habitat. Blending is the ability to gradate from one color to another without obvious transitions and boundaries. By using appropriate blending techniques the colors pass imperceptibly from one shade or degree of intensity to another. Wyland will demonstrate how mixing and blending techniques can work together to create a textured look. Wyland Tip: The EPA has estimated that one-third of all the waters tested in the United States are unsafe for fishing, swimming, and drinking.