One of the many painting techniques in the art world is called impasto. Thick layers of paint form the base of this technique. While colours are typically the main focus, this beautiful technique focuses on texture as much as colours. Impasto is a technique you need to get acquainted with, so read this blog and learn more about it!

 What is impasto?

Impasto is a painting technique in which paint is applied thickly to the canvas, creating a three-dimensional effect. The paint is often applied so thickly that brush or knife strokes remain visible, adding texture and depth to the painting. This technique brings vibrancy, dynamism, and a sense of movement to the artwork.

What are the essential supplies for an impasto painting?

For impasto, you need specific materials. Here is a list of essential supplies:

Paint

• Oil paint or acrylic paint: Both are suitable for impasto. Oil paint has a longer drying time, providing more opportunities to apply and manipulate thick layers. Acrylic paint dries faster and is easier to clean up.

 Mediums

• Impasto medium: This medium can be added to paint to increase texture and thickness without changing the colour. There are specific impasto mediums for acrylic paint that thicken the paint.
• Pasta or gel mediums: These can be mixed with acrylic paint to thicken the consistency and improve texture.

Tools

• Palette knives: Various shapes and sizes of palette knives are essential for applying and sculpting thick paint. They offer excellent control over texture and form.
• Brushes: Stiff, sturdy brushes made of hog bristle or synthetic material are suitable for applying and manipulating thick paint.

Surface

• Canvas: Prepared canvas is ideal for impasto. Ensure the canvas is sturdy enough to support the weight of the thick paint.
• Panel: Wooden or MDF panels are an alternative to canvas and provide a solid surface for heavy paint.

Other essentials

• Palette: A sturdy palette for mixing your paints and mediums.
• Easel: A stable easel to keep your work secure while painting.
• Cleaning supplies: Cloths, paper towels, and solvents (for oil paint) or water (for acrylic paint) to clean your tools.
• Gloves: Protective gloves to keep your hands clean and protect them from chemicals.

With these materials, you are well-equipped to start with the impasto technique and create beautiful, textured paintings.

How to create impasto?

If you’re a painter looking for techniques and ways to give your art a new dimension, you might want to try creating an impasto piece. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Choose the right paint: Impasto works best with thick, heavy paints like oil or acrylic paint. These paint types have the robust texture needed for impasto effects.
2. Use the right tools: A palette knife is ideal for impasto because it allows you to apply thick layers of paint and create texture. Brush strokes can also be made visible with stiff brushes.
3. Add thickening agents: If your paint isn’t thick enough, add a thickening medium like impasto or gel medium. These agents thicken the paint without diluting the colour.
4. Apply paint thickly: Scoop the paint with your palette knife or brush and apply it in thick layers on the canvas. You can manipulate the paint in various directions to create the desired texture and movement.
5. Experiment with layers: You can apply paint in multiple layers, sometimes waiting for the underlying layers to dry before adding new ones. This can add depth and richness to your work.
6. Drying time: Be mindful of longer drying times, especially with oil paint, as the thick layers of paint take more time to fully cure.
7. Play with light: Impasto can help capture light in different ways, giving your painting visual interest. Try viewing your painting from various angles to see how the light interacts with the texture.

Tip! Watch this video and try painting an impasto wave yourself!

The impasto effect

The effect of impasto can be described in various ways, depending on the context of the artwork and the viewer's perception. Generally, the impact of impasto can be defined as follows:

• Textured: Impasto adds a striking texture to the surface of the painting. The thick, heavy layers of paint create texture and depth, making the surface more tactile.
• Expressive: The visible brushstrokes and three-dimensional quality of impasto contribute to a sense of expression and spontaneity in the artwork. It gives the impression of a direct, physical interaction between the artist and the medium.
• Dynamic light play: The thick layers of paint capture and reflect light in different ways, depending on the angle and intensity of the light source. This can result in a lively play of light and shadow on the painting's surface.
• Emotional depth: Impasto can also add a sense of emotional depth and intensity to the artwork. The thick layers of paint can convey a feeling of energy, passion, or movement, giving the work a powerful emotional impact.
• Visual interest: The use of impasto draws the viewer's attention and creates visual interest. The texture and vibrancy of impasto can make the artwork more engaging, inviting the viewer to look closer and explore further.

How to recognise impasto

Look for the following features to identify an impasto painting:

• Three-dimensional texture: The paint protrudes from the surface of the canvas, creating a relief-like texture.
• Visible brush or knife strokes: The technique reveals the individual strokes of the tool, giving an expressive and dynamic appearance.
• Use of thick paint: Oil or acrylic paint is often used, mixed with mediums to thicken the consistency.
• Light and shadow: The thickness of the paint layer creates natural shadows and highlights, adding an extra dimension to the painting.

Some experts in impasto

You know what impasto is and how to recognise it now. But you’ve probably unknowingly already seen an impasto painting before. Art history is filled with impasto geniuses you probably know. If not, get to know the following experts:

• Vincent van Gogh: Van Gogh is famous for his extensive use of impasto, giving his works dramatic texture and depth. One of his most well-known pieces using this technique is "Starry Night." In this painting, the thick paint and vivid brushstrokes are clearly visible, beautifully accentuating the dynamic, swirling sky.
• Rembrandt van Rijn: In many of his portraits, Rembrandt used impasto to enhance the light effects on skin and clothing. "The Night Watch" also contains sections where impasto is applied to emphasise specific details like the metallic sheen of weapons and uniforms.
• Jackson Pollock: Although known for his drip technique, Pollock also used impasto in his abstract expressionist works. By applying thick layers of paint, he created an intense, tangible texture that gave his paintings an energetic dimension.
• Willem de Kooning: Another prominent figure in abstract expressionism, de Kooning used impasto to highlight his powerful and expressive brushstrokes in works like "Woman I."

These painters used impasto not only to create a visual effect but also to bring emotional depth and intensity to their works of art, giving viewers a more engaging and textural experience.

Impasto is a fantastic technique for adding depth and texture to your paintings. Whether you're a novice artist or an experienced painter, impasto allows you to create expressive and dynamic artworks. Give it a try and experiment with thick layers of paint and different tools. Have fun painting!