impasto

noun

im·​pas·​to im-ˈpa-(ˌ)stō 

-ˈpä-

plural impastos

1

: the thick application of a pigment to a canvas or panel in painting

also : the body of pigment so applied

2

: raised decoration on ceramic ware usually of slip or enamel

impastoed

im-ˈpa-(ˌ)stōd 

-ˈpä-

adjective

Examples of impasto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Finally, a long stretch of nothing happening, of innumerable plans, tradeoffs, controversies, objections, and delays — that whole impasto of New York–style dithering — has been overwhelmed by the vivid, sensual presence of one of the city’s great public spaces. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 3 July 2024

The paint itself ranges from thick impasto to thin washes that can presage those of Color Field paintings. —Roberta Smith, New York Times, 27 July 2023

The show focuses on Kapoor’s painting practice, displaying corporeal expressions on canvas that are both broad in color and texture — layering thick, blood-red impasto. —Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2023

Some are small, less than two feet square; these tend to be lushly painted, with thick impasto and bravura brushwork. —Calvin Tomkins, The New Yorker, 16 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from impastare

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined at sense 1