
What is impasto in painting and how to apply it in digital illustration
The impasto, a centuries-old technique to add texture and emotion to painting, did you know that it can be replicated in digital? We explain how to achieve it in traditional media and in your digital illustrations. What is impasto? The impasto is a painting technique that consists of applying the paint in a thick and visible way, generating volume and texture on the canvas. The stroke of the brush or palette knife is not concealed: it forms an active part of the work and adds dynamism. Painters such as Van Gogh or Rembrandt used this technique to intensify the light and emotion in their compositions. The paint stands out from the canvas, capturing the light in a different way and bringing a tactile sensation to the viewer. Learn more in this video about impasto with water-based oil paint.