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The Emotion behind Van Gogh’s Brushstrokes
What do you see when you look at Irises?
Looking at Irises by Vincent van Gogh
Body Content
How do you describe a work of art?
With art terms, of course! We’ve heard you, and we’re here to answer your Frequently Asked Art Questions (FAAQs).
Let’s take a look at Vincent van Gogh's Irises, an ideal work of art to describe with the art term, impasto.
Watch the video, or read on below!
What Is Impasto?
Impasto in art is a painting technique where the paint is laid on so thickly the brush or palette knife strokes stand out in relief.
2020 Post-Baccalaureate Conservation Intern Michelle Tenggara in the paintings department of Getty assisting on the conservation of Vincent van Gogh's Irises
Look closely at the detail of Irises above. You can see where the paint projects from the surface of the painting, giving it a tactile quality
Van Gogh’s Impasto
The work of Vincent van Gogh makes extraordinary use of the impasto technique.
The Dutch postimpressionist was famous for his bold experiments with paint. Impasto allowed him to concentrate vibrant colors and add emotion and movement to his paintings.
His painting techniques even revealed something about his mood. “Violent” moods, he wrote to his brother, required more impasto. When he felt calmer, his paint was not as thick.
