Definition of the word impasto

The term "impasto" originates from the Italian word "impastare," which means "to knead" or "to shape by hands." In the context of painting, impasto refers to a technique where thick layers of paint are applied onto a canvas or surface with a palette knife, brush, or fingers, creating texture and three-dimensionality. The gestural and tactile quality of impasto painting captures the essence of the artist's touch and spontaneity, leading to a lively and vivid visual experience. This technique can be traced back to the medieval time, where illuminated manuscripts were painted with this characteristic texture to convey a sense of depth and richness. Later on, impasto painting became a prominent style in the Renaissance period, with masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Jan van Eyck incorporating it into their works to add texture and intensity. Today, impasto continues to be a favored technique by many artists in different art movements, ranging from Expressionism to Post-Impressionism, as it enables the incorporation of texture and gesture into their artistic expression.