Wood grain

Wood grain thrives on curves. A simple turned form — a sphere, a bowl — reveals how grain lines follow the contour, while flat surfaces can look like wallpaper. Let the object’s shape guide the pattern.

Light raking across the grain is your best tool. A hard key from one side creates micro-shadows in each fiber, making the texture palpable. Add a faint oiled sheen to catch the light, but keep it subtle — too much polish flattens the natural depth and turns wood into plastic.