Learn Intermediate Impasto Painting Techniques

Impasto is a technique used in painting, where paint is laid on an area of the surface in very thick layers, usually thick enough that the brush or painting knife strokes are visible. Paint can also be mixed right on the canvas. When dry, impasto provides texture; the paint appears to be coming out of the canvas. This gives the painting a texture and an almost 3D effect. It can be accomplished with mediums such as acrylic, oil, or gouache. The impasto painting method offers the artist several advantages. First, its raised surface causes light to be reflected in new ways that the artist can control. It was used frequently to mimic the broken-textured quality of highlights - that is, the surfaces of objects that are struck by an intense light. Second, expressionists (notably Van Gogh) used impasto to convey feelings and emotion. Third, impasto can convey a three-dimensional impression and has texture. This is a 2-day class since we prepare the canvas /sheet before starting impasto. Tube paints are mandatory.