What is 'impasto' technique primarily known for?

The impasto technique is primarily recognized for the thick application of paint, which creates a noticeable texture on the canvas. This method allows for the paint to stand out from the surface, giving artworks a three-dimensional quality. Artists often use impasto to enhance the expressiveness of their work, as the raised paint can reflect light in different ways, adding depth and dynamism to the piece.

While layering paint is a common technique in many styles, impasto emphasizes the materiality of the paint itself rather than the layered effects that are created by building up transparent washes. Similarly, using a palette knife can indeed contribute to textural effects, but it is not a defining characteristic of impasto; the focus is on the thickness and volume of paint. Smooth gradients are generally a sign of traditional brushwork techniques that blend colors seamlessly, contrasting sharply with the bold relief characteristic of impasto. Thus, the emphasis on visible texture distinguishes impasto as a specific and dynamic practice within the art of painting.