What is the term for a thick application of paint?

• A. Thick glaze
• B. Impasto
• C. Dry brush
• D. Sfumato

Answer: (B)

Impasto is a painting technique where paint is laid on so thickly that the brush or knife marks are clearly visible, creating a pronounced, textured surface. This build-up of paint gives the work tangible depth and catches light in a way that makes the strokes feel almost sculptural. That thick, tactile application is exactly what the term describes.

In contrast, a glaze is a thin, transparent layer that modifies color without adding significant texture; a dry brush technique uses a mostly dry brush to scrape across the surface, leaving a scratchy, sparse effect; and sfumato refers to soft, smoky blending that eradicates sharp edges rather than adding physical bulk.