Impasto Oil Painting

The word 'impasto' comes from Italian meaning 'to make into a paste'. It is a method of painting whereby the paint is applied thickly, using either a brush or painting knife. This can be built in layers or in one layer as an alla prima. The result of working this way tends to be less realistic, placing more emphasis on the strokes and textures created by brush and knife within the paint as well as an enjoyment of the physical presence of the paint itself.

The most notable examples of this technique are the oil paintings of Van Gogh.

During tuition you will learn how to make impasto oil paintings from start to finish and become familiar with the different stages they can go through.

Below is an example of an impasto oil painting completed by a student during tuition:

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