Impasto artwork has a way of capturing attention as its texture and implication of movement pairs with the colors to create emotion on the canvas. Heavy-bodied acrylic paints work together with brushes or a palette knife to give a piece of art texture and a three-dimensional aspect. Keep reading and see how you can bring the Expressionistic Impasto Landscape project into your art room.
Expressionistic Impasto Landscape Art Project
Famous Expressionist painters have been using the Impasto technique for generations to add texture and feelings to pieces of art. Impasto is an italian word which means “dough” or “mixture” and is created by using heavy bodied paint on a canvas in thick layers, often leaving visible brush or painting-knife strokes.
Well-known artists who have used the Impasto technique in paintings include:
- Vincent van Gogh
- Pia Fries
- Erin Hanson
- Conrad Jon Godly
The Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylic Paint offers vibrant colors and the perfect texture for students experimenting with Impasto painting. Combine the paint with the Liquitex Gloss Gell Medium to give the paint more body and to increase the “open time” for students to work with the paint on the canvas before it dries.
View the Lesson Plan: Expressionistic Impasto Landscape
Tips for Using the Impasto Technique
- Encourage students to take a step back from their work whenever they begin to feel frustrated by the unstructured feel of Impasto painting — they may appreciate the Expressionism more from a short distance away.
- Have students highlight the features they like most about other artists’ use of Impasto before beginning to paint on their canvas.
- Remind students that the thickness of the paint application means that it will take longer to dry. They can always mix colors or adjust the way something looks before the paint has solidified.
More Acrylic-Based Art Lesson Plans
If you’re looking for more inspiration and lesson plans for your art students, be sure to check out a few of the other art lesson plans on the blog site. Also make a stop at the online store to see thousands of high quality art supplies and tools to take this year’s projects to the next level.
Share Your Star Students’ Artwork
We love student art! Give your star students an opportunity to shine by submitting their artwork to be considered for the next Sax catalog cover. Original artwork from students of all grade levels is eligible and the online submission process is simple.
