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

At the larger location in West Allis, the walls in July were covered in surrealist pop-art landscapes a la Wes Anderson, and impasto odes to farm animals. — Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 21 Aug. 2026

James Jarvaise, the late California modernist (1924—2015), cuts a slick silhouette in Henry Taylor’s vibrant impasto rendering of him. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 8 July 2026

The impasto of time and experiences with the firstborn change how parents behave with subsequent children. — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

Norman has worked with impasto flowers for more than 25 years—implementing a technique that centers around thickly applying paint to a surface to create an almost sculptural quality. — Alexis Benveniste, Architectural Digest, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from impastare

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined at sense 1