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.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.
Wood—By its nature, wood is rough and may contain splinters or sharp points
- 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.













