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Equipment
Painting in the impasto style requires certain supplies that allow you to effectively create the impasto look on your canvas. A brush or putty knife works well for applying the paint. Thick oil and acrylic paints are good options for an impasto work of art; a watery paint will slide off the canvas and make using the impasto technique very difficult. Placing your canvas on an easel might make it easy for you to apply the paint as desired. A palette allows you keep small amounts of paint on hand and prevent it from drying out before it is used.
Impasto Technique
Creating an impasto painting requires the use of a large quantity of paint. Many of the types of paint used for the impasto technique are undiluted, which keep them thick enough to pile on the canvas. This style of painting isn't much different from traditional styles of painting, but it involves using much more paint at one time. Load your brush or putty knife with the paint and apply it to the surface of the canvas without pressing or scraping it into the fabric. Build up the paint until it reaches the desired texture, but be careful not to overwork a section, which could interfere with its three-dimensional quality.
Advantages
Many artists choose the impasto technique because it allows them to convey their message effectively. The thick paint on the canvas catches the light, creating shadows that add dimension to the work; impressionist painters utilize dimension to express emotion. Impasto paintings contain more detail than flat ones because the technique allows the artist to add folds to clothing, texture to skin and roughness to landscapes.
Tips
Use paint directly from the tube when creating an impasto work because the consistency is conducive to the technique. Rather than preparing a palette, apply the paint directly to your brush or putty knife. Choose a quick-drying paint, which reduces the risk of cracking. Some paints are designed specifically for impasto painting; look for them at craft supply stores.