Throughout the years, famous painters have implemented numerous techniques, when creating their masterpieces. The Old Masters enjoyed painting in layers, with colors being added, after the paint has dried. Of course, impressionists and post-impressionists, such as Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh, eventually replaced this method. The impasto painting is immediately noticeable, when looking at many of Van Gogh’s later works. This is definitely a fun way to paint and should be explored by all artists.
What is it?
The truth is that impasto is a technique, which allows the painter to paint thickly, without letting the paint dry. Acrylics aren’t suitable for this type of painting. Although some painters will use this method with a paintbrush, it is also possible to apply paint, in this manner, while using a palette knife.
Why use it?
There are many different reasons to consider adding a bit of impasto paint to your works. You can easily use thick layers of paint to express your emotions and give the viewer a sense of the painter’s thoughts and mentality. While glazes work with light in one manner, thick paint works in another. It is possible to attract the viewer’s attention to highlights or bright areas, with a thick section of paint. On the other hand, this technique can be used to create a three dimensional work of art, which is as nice to touch, as it is to view.
How to Incorporate It
An artist needs to be clever, when trying to incorporate the impasto technique into their works. Although it is possible to paint thickly all over the painting, it is also possible to use thick paint sparingly. When used in small sections, it is possible for the artist to guide the eye throughout the work. On the other hand, thick paint can be used to demonstrate certain elements, such as a fold in a blanket or a wrinkle on the face of a senior.
Of course, some artists feel the need to enhance the atmosphere of their works, by implementing impasto painting. Using thick layers for the foreground and thin layers for the background is a wonderful way to display the distant horizon or a portrait backdrop.
Impasto Tips and Tricks
This is certainly a technique, which requires experimentation and practice to master. The wet on wet painting style can be difficult to handle at first, especially if you’re used to painting in layers. If you’re having difficulties with your brush, do not be afraid to add layers with your palette knife, as this can help add cool effects to your work.
When using brushes, it is recommended to use a tough, firm brush and not something soft. Flats and filberts are generally your best bet.
When painting in thick layers, it should be noted that the paint will take an excruciating amount of time to dry, unless you’re using a painting medium. It is recommended that you use a medium that is made specifically for impasto, such as Gamlin Galkyd G-Gel, Liquin Impasto or Gamblin’s Solvent Free Gel. The Alkyd in these gels will allow the paint to dry much faster, without thinning the paint.
If you’re interested in glazing over the thick paint, it is definitely a possibility, but you’ll need to wait, until the previous layers have dried complete. Otherwise, you’ll need to use more oil in your glazes than you did during the previous layers. Remember the common practice of thin over thick or fat over lean. If you fail to do this, you could experience cracks or wrinkles in your finished work.
What is it?
The truth is that impasto is a technique, which allows the painter to paint thickly, without letting the paint dry. Acrylics aren’t suitable for this type of painting. Although some painters will use this method with a paintbrush, it is also possible to apply paint, in this manner, while using a palette knife.
Why use it?
There are many different reasons to consider adding a bit of impasto paint to your works. You can easily use thick layers of paint to express your emotions and give the viewer a sense of the painter’s thoughts and mentality. While glazes work with light in one manner, thick paint works in another. It is possible to attract the viewer’s attention to highlights or bright areas, with a thick section of paint. On the other hand, this technique can be used to create a three dimensional work of art, which is as nice to touch, as it is to view.
How to Incorporate It
An artist needs to be clever, when trying to incorporate the impasto technique into their works. Although it is possible to paint thickly all over the painting, it is also possible to use thick paint sparingly. When used in small sections, it is possible for the artist to guide the eye throughout the work. On the other hand, thick paint can be used to demonstrate certain elements, such as a fold in a blanket or a wrinkle on the face of a senior.
Of course, some artists feel the need to enhance the atmosphere of their works, by implementing impasto painting. Using thick layers for the foreground and thin layers for the background is a wonderful way to display the distant horizon or a portrait backdrop.
Impasto Tips and Tricks
This is certainly a technique, which requires experimentation and practice to master. The wet on wet painting style can be difficult to handle at first, especially if you’re used to painting in layers. If you’re having difficulties with your brush, do not be afraid to add layers with your palette knife, as this can help add cool effects to your work.
When using brushes, it is recommended to use a tough, firm brush and not something soft. Flats and filberts are generally your best bet.
When painting in thick layers, it should be noted that the paint will take an excruciating amount of time to dry, unless you’re using a painting medium. It is recommended that you use a medium that is made specifically for impasto, such as Gamlin Galkyd G-Gel, Liquin Impasto or Gamblin’s Solvent Free Gel. The Alkyd in these gels will allow the paint to dry much faster, without thinning the paint.
If you’re interested in glazing over the thick paint, it is definitely a possibility, but you’ll need to wait, until the previous layers have dried complete. Otherwise, you’ll need to use more oil in your glazes than you did during the previous layers. Remember the common practice of thin over thick or fat over lean. If you fail to do this, you could experience cracks or wrinkles in your finished work.