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impasto Definition

im·pasto (im päs′tō, -pas′-)

noun

  1. painting in which the paint is laid thickly on the canvas
  2. paint so laid on

Etymology: It < impastare: see impaste

impasto Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • thick: The generous glaze accretions of his pots are echoed by the thick impasto 's of many of his paintings.
  • heavy: The results I am aiming for would be something like traditional oils, not heavy impasto, and some very detailed work.
  • deep: Paint applied thickly with a palette knife has a deep impasto.

Modifies a noun

  • effect: Add gels for impasto effects or thin with mediums for glazing applications.
  • painting: Last week's figure was mainly impasto painting with the palette knife.
  • work: The drying process depends upon the thickness of the applied paint, with heavy impasto work obviously taking longer.