Impasto Presto!

Ever try impasto? Famous artists including Rembrandt and van Gogh used this 3-D technique! Create bold paintings with Crayola Texture It! Mixing Medium.

• 1.

  Find out about artists who used a technique called impasto—thick, textured paint with visible brush strokes—to create 3-D effects. How did they make textured paint? Learn more about some of their famous paintings done in this style. This is a quick, contemporary way to achieve much the same effect!

• 2.

  To create your impasto mixture, tear soft paper such as facial tissue or tissue paper into small pieces. In a bowl, use a craft stick to stir Crayola School Glue with the paper.

• 3.

  Cover your art area with newspaper. Spread the impasto mixture on watercolor paper with a craft stick or other tool. Experiment with different amounts and styles of application. Air-dry your work on a flat surface for at least a day.

• 4.

  Combine Crayola Premier™ Tempera Paints with the Texture It! Mixing Medium. Bold color combinations look great on impasto! Prepare a variety of different colors and combinations to get dramatic effects. Paint your impasto surface with Crayola Brushes. Air-dry your painting.

Benefits

• Children research famous artists who used impasto techniques and identify their works.
• Students recognize the differences between 2- and 3-dimensional art.
• Students experiment with impasto painting and the use of texture to achieve their intended effects.

Adaptations

• Vincent van Gogh is known for his impasto work. Research detailed information on van Gogh’s life and work.
• Experiment with different impasto ingredients. What else could you add to the glue to create texture? How will this alter your art?
• Assessment. Students evaluate their work based on content, technique, and design. They write a short essay on artists who use impasto and how added texture in art can be used to express emotion and 3-D effects.