Impasto Painting Tips & Techniques for Beginners
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 6 min read

Contents

1. Getting Started with Impasto

2. Choosing Your Palette

3. Brushes and Knives

4. Creating Texture

5. Finishing Your Painting

Embarking on a journey into the world of impasto paint can be an exciting exploration of texture and color. This blog will provide you with practical tips and techniques to help you get started with impasto painting, select your palette, understand the tools, create texture, and finish your masterpiece.

1. Getting Started with Impasto

Before we dive into the world of impasto paint, let's understand what it is, gather the materials you'll need, and set up a comfortable workspace for you.

What is Impasto?

Impasto is a technique used in painting where paint is laid on an area of the canvas in very thick layers, usually thick enough that the brush or painting-knife strokes are visible. Think of it as sculpting with paint. The term originates from the Italian word "pasta", meaning paste. When you use the impasto technique, your painting will have a textured surface that stands out from the canvas, creating a 3D effect.

Required Materials

For your impasto paint journey, you will need a few materials. These include:

  1. Canvas: A strong canvas is needed to support the weight of the impasto paint.
  2. Paint: Heavy body acrylics or oil paints work well for impasto painting. Brands like Golden Heavy Body Acrylics or Winsor & Newton Artist Oil Colors are popular choices.
  3. Palette Knives and Brushes: You'll need these for applying and shaping your paint. More on these in section 3.
  4. Medium: A medium like Liquitex Professional Modeling Paste can be mixed with your paint to give it more body.

Setting Up Your Space

When setting up your workspace for impasto painting, consider the following:

  • Light: Natural light is best, but if that's not possible, ensure your space is well-lit with artificial lights.
  • Space: Since impasto painting can get a little messy, it's best to have a dedicated space where you can spread out your materials and not worry about cleaning up after each session.
  • Ventilation: If you're using oil paints, they can sometimes give off strong fumes. Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated.

Now that we've covered the basics of getting started with impasto paint, let's move on to the next step: choosing your palette.

2. Choosing Your Palette

Choosing the right colors for your impasto paint project can make all the difference. Let's begin by understanding color theory and how to mix your colors effectively.

Color Theory

Color theory is a fundamental concept in art and is key to creating visually appealing paintings. At the heart of color theory is the color wheel, which consists of primary colors (red, blue, yellow), secondary colors (green, orange, purple), and tertiary colors (colors created by mixing a primary and a secondary color).

  • Complementary Colors: These are colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. When used together, they create high contrast and can make your impasto painting pop.
  • Analogous Colors: These are colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. They create a harmonious feeling and can be used to create a calming effect in your impasto painting.

Mixing Colors

Mixing colors is a skill that every impasto painter should master. The key to mixing colors is understanding that less is more. Start with small amounts of paint and gradually add more until you achieve the desired color. Remember, it's easier to add more paint than it is to remove it.

Now that you've chosen your palette and learned how to mix your colors, let's move onto the tools you'll be using for your impasto paint project: brushes and knives.

3. Brushes and Knives

Once you've chosen your palette, it's time to select the right tools. In impasto paint, brushes and knives play a crucial role. Let's explore different types of brushes and palette knife techniques that will help you create stunning impasto effects.

Brush Types

Brushes can vastly influence the texture and depth of your impasto paint. Here are some types you might want to consider:

  • Flat Brushes: They have a square end and can hold a lot of paint. These are perfect for making bold strokes and filling large areas.
  • Filbert Brushes: These brushes have a rounded end, and they are great for blending and creating soft edges.
  • Round Brushes: These are versatile brushes that can create a variety of strokes, from thick to thin lines, based on the pressure applied.

Palette Knife Techniques

Palette knives are a favorite tool for many impasto artists, as they can create unique textures and effects. Here are a couple of techniques to try:

  • Scraping: Apply paint on the canvas and then use the palette knife to scrape some of it off. This creates an interesting layered effect.
  • Spreading: Similar to buttering a piece of bread, you can spread the impasto paint across the canvas to create smooth, flat areas of color.

With the right colors chosen and tools in hand, you're ready to dive into creating texture with your impasto paint.

4. Creating Texture

The real magic of impasto paint lies in its ability to create incredible texture. With a combination of layering and sculpting techniques, you can bring your painting to life with a tangible, three-dimensional feel. Let's explore how.

Layering Paint

Layering is a fundamental technique in impasto painting. The idea is to apply the paint in layers, letting each one dry before adding the next. This builds up texture and creates a sense of depth. Here's how to do it:

  1. Begin with a thin underpainting: This will be the foundation on which you build your texture.
  2. Add your first layer of impasto paint: Don't be afraid to be generous. The thicker the paint, the more texture you'll create.
  3. Let it dry: This could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the thickness of the paint.
  4. Repeat the process: Add as many layers as you need to achieve the desired effect.

Sculpting with Paint

When you're comfortable with layering, you can start sculpting with your impasto paint. This is where you can let your creativity run wild. Use your paintbrush or palette knife to shape the paint while it's still wet, creating peaks, swirls, and whatever else your heart desires. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to do this—it's all about expressing your vision.

Once you've created your masterpiece of texture and depth, it's time for the home stretch—finishing your painting.

5. Finishing Your Painting

After investing your time and creativity into building an impasto painting, it's crucial to finish it properly. This involves two key steps: drying and curing, followed by varnishing. Let's walk through them.

Drying and Curing

Patience is key when it comes to drying and curing your impasto paint. This can be a slow process, especially if you've applied thick layers. It's important to let it dry completely before moving on to the next step. Here's a simple guideline:

  1. Let the painting dry naturally: Depending on the thickness of your paint, this could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Resist the temptation to speed up the process with heat or sun—this can cause the paint to crack.
  2. Test for dryness: Gently touch the thickest parts of the painting. If the paint feels firm and unyielding, it's dry.
  3. Allow for curing: This is the time it takes for the paint to harden completely. This can take up to six months for heavy impasto paint. During this time, avoid exposing the painting to extreme temperatures or humidity.

Varnishing Tips

Once your painting is dry and cured, it's time to protect it with a layer of varnish. Varnishing enhances the colors of your painting, and protects it from dust, dirt, and UV light. Here are some tips for varnishing your impasto painting:

  1. Choose a varnish that's specifically designed for acrylic or oil paintings, depending on what type of impasto paint you used.
  2. Apply the varnish in a thin, even layer. You can use a wide, flat brush or a varnishing spray.
  3. Let the varnish dry completely before handling the painting. This usually takes about 24 hours.

And voila! You've successfully completed your first impasto painting. With practice and patience, you'll be able to master this technique and create beautiful, textured artworks.

If you're excited to dive deeper into the world of painting and explore new techniques, be sure to check out the workshop 'Creating Abstract Paintings Using Common Household Items' by Noah Ennis. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning abstract paintings using items you can find around your home, adding a unique twist to your art and expanding your skills as a painter.