Impasto relief

Raised color layers and shallow shadows show surface relief.

Visual traits

• raised color layers
• shallow shadows
• uneven relief

Expected changes

• Color layers are more likely to appear raised
• Shallow shadows are more likely to appear

Definition

Impasto relief is a surface effect with visible raised ridges or shadows suggesting thick paint layers. It does not determine the technique of applying impasto, a particular paint, sculptural material, or an actual three-dimensional object.

In more detail

Raised color layers and shallow shadows show relief. Impasto stroke, knife application, and sculptural forms are separate choices.

Includes

• Visible relief suggesting thick paint layers

Excludes

• The technique of applying impasto
• actual sculpture
• a particular paint material

What this does not imply

• The operation of applying impasto
• a particular paint
• sculpture
• or actual three-dimensional object

Variability

Relief height and coverage can be adjusted separately.

Usage

• Use it as visible relief

Distinguish similar expressions

• Specify impasto technique separately

Typical uses

• Add raised relief to a painted surface

Possible failure modes

• It becomes only brushwork
• It becomes a sculptural subject