impasto

[ im-pas-toh, -pah-stoh ]

noun

, Painting.

1. the laying on of paint thickly.
2. the paint so laid on.
3. enamel or slip applied to a ceramic object to form a decoration in low relief.

impasto

/ ɪmˈpæstəʊ /

noun

1. paint applied thickly, so that brush and palette knife marks are evident
2. the technique of applying paint in this way

Word History and Origins

Origin of impasto¹

1775–85; < Italian, noun derivative of impastare to impaste

Word History and Origins

Origin of impasto¹

C18: from Italian, from impastare; see impaste

Example Sentences

His colors are darker, his impasto is thicker, and his brushstrokes are quick and imperfect.

From The Daily Beast

If he makes haste he may become clumsy and rough, leaving here and there inequalities of impasto.

From Project Gutenberg

Those earlier and heavy impasto studies of his are the evidence of this worthy deduction.

From Project Gutenberg

Have a holy horror of useless impasto, which gets sticky and dull, turns blue and heavy.

From Project Gutenberg

It is very Old Masterish in feeling, low-toned and mellow in colour, and rich in impasto.

From Project Gutenberg

This picture was covered with pure white, in impasto, a method dear to impressionists.

From Project Gutenberg