IMPASTO ART & TECHNIQUE

Impasto art technique is where paint is laid onto a surface thickly so it holds the imprint of an artist’s brush or palette knife.The 19th-century painter Vincent Van Gogh made notable use of impastos, building up and defining the forms in his paintings with thick, nervous dabs of paint.

What kind of paint do you use for impasto?

Due to its thick consistency and slow drying time, oil paint has traditionally been the method of choice for impasto painting. Acrylic, on the other hand, may be used if heavy body acrylic gels are used.

What canvas do you use for impasto painting?

Canvases made of linen, such as Belgian linen, are preferred. They're solid and flexible, and they don't sag even when filled with thick paint.