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impasto

American  
[im-pas-toh, -pah-stoh] / ɪmˈpæs toʊ, -ˈpɑ stoʊ /

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 British  
/ ɪmˈpæstəʊ /

noun

  1. paint applied thickly, so that brush and palette knife marks are evident

  2. the technique of applying paint in this way

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of impasto

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


Vocabulary lists containing impasto

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Was it possible that van Gogh had deliberately added handfuls of sand and pebbles to his paint to thicken his impasto and give it a grittier texture?

From New York Times ● May 11, 2023

“Rail,” which is thick with black impasto and bright colors fighting to be seen, has been cut apart and stitched back together.

From Washington Post ● Jul. 28, 2022

On the white underpainting for a composition in progress, she pointed to the turbulent strokes and impasto — a contrast with the discipline of the finished works.

From New York Times ● Feb. 10, 2022

It has David’s paintings, stained glass, the magnificent organ and an impasto of ceremonies and coronations that should, God and the restoration willing, run for ever.

From The Guardian ● Apr. 16, 2019

For most of June and July he paints landscapes, thick with impasto, textured, colorful.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman

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