Palette knife painting
Color applied in firm gestures and planes of matter. Texture, energy and an unmistakably handcrafted finish.
The gesture as language
In palette knife painting, color is not drawn: it is built. Each plane of matter stays exactly as it left the tool, with no possible retouching. The result is a living surface, full of ridges and valleys that catch the light.
Process
I work with palette knives of different sizes, loading oil directly onto the canvas. Mixtures often happen on the artwork itself, producing veins of color impossible to repeat.
Textures and finishes
- Thick impastos with pronounced relief.
- Smooth "dragged" planes that reveal the layers beneath.
- Combination with brushwork in backgrounds and atmospheres.
Durability
Impasto needs a longer curing period before varnishing, which I strictly respect in every work. Well cured and varnished, a palette knife painting is as durable as any traditional oil.
Frequently asked questions
- Are palette knife works more fragile?
- Thick impastos need longer drying times and care in transport, but once cured and varnished they are as stable as any oil painting. Avoid pressing the surface and always transport the work upright.