In this blog, we will delve into the world of Impasto art, understanding its characteristics, and discovering famous artists who have mastered this technique..
Impasto art is a technique, characterized by the thick application of paint to create a textured surface on the canvas. The paint is often laid on heavily and allowed to stand out from the canvas, adding dimension and tactile appeal to the artwork. Artists use various tools, such as brushes, palette knives, or even their fingers, to achieve the desired effect.The origins of Impasto painting dates back to the Venetian Renaissance, pioneered by renowned artists Titian and Tintoretto. These masters skillfully crafted intricate figurative scenes, showcasing the sensuous qualities of paint. They portrayed light rippling off soft skin and cascading drapery, demonstrating the expressive power of thickly applied paint to add depth and texture to their artworks.
One of the most celebrated artists in the world of Impasto is the Dutch master, Rembrandt van Rijn. In his iconic self-portraits, such as "Self-Portrait with Two Circles," Rembrandt expertly employed Impasto to create depth and richness in his facial features and clothing. The thickly applied paint lends a sculptural quality to the painting, adding an intriguing play of light and shadow.
Norman Long is Hancock Gallery’s master of Impasto art, as well as Plein Air art. In our current group show "Perspectives," he unveils a collection of nine thought-provoking oil paintings showcasing iconic north-east landmarks.
Norman's style is heavily influenced by a love of Rembrandt, of which he found a love for whilst studying, but he adds - ‘Every artist has a distinctive way of applying paint. As Henri Matisse once said, “Every painter with real talent has his own matière, a way of laying on the paint with relish, with a certain voluptuous feel”. Think of the thick striations of Van Gogh versus the thin stains of Mark Rothko’.
He wholeheartedly immerses himself in his practice, and nothing, not even the sometimes dreary weather of the north-east, can hinder his dedication to his art. As he fondly recalls while creating Three Bridges Over the Tyne, he said - “The weather was predicted to be rough so as a backup I enquired at the travel lodge if they had a room with a view. They swapped it without charge and this was the view I woke up to! I painted in a state of excitement from 6am till 10am.”
Norman doesn’t see himself as a topographical painter, but agrees that light, people and relationships are his primary concerns. ‘If you, the viewer, can identify with a location in my painting, you will connect to it in a much stronger way. So I try to include just a suggestion, something to trigger than recognition.’
Join us at Hancock Gallery and see the works of Norman Long, along with three other plein air artists as we celebrate ‘Perspectives’ - an exhibition featuring primarily site-specific art that will transport you to both familiar and hidden corners of the North East. Other artists featured include Sam Wood and Chris Poulion. Available to purchase in gallery and online.
Don't want to miss the latest news and updates from us? Join our mailing list and get a world of art delivered straight to your inbox every month.
Share on your Socials:
