What painting technique is characterized by applying undiluted paint thickly on the canvas?

The technique characterized by applying undiluted paint thickly on the canvas is known as Impasto. This method involves using a palette knife or brush to create textured strokes that stand out from the surface of the painting. The thick application of paint allows for a dynamic and expressive surface, often catching light in intriguing ways, enhancing the visual impact of the artwork. This technique is especially prominent in the works of artists like Vincent van Gogh, who utilized it to convey emotional intensity and movement within his compositions.

Delving into the other techniques for contrast, glazing involves applying thin, transparent layers of paint over a dried layer to create depth and luminosity, which is quite distinct from the bold texture of impasto. Fresco, on the other hand, is a mural painting technique that involves applying pigments mixed with water onto freshly laid wet plaster, resulting in a very different texture and finish. Alla Prima refers to a method of painting where the artist completes the work in a single session, often using wet-on-wet techniques that can involve thick paint but is not strictly defined by the application of undiluted paint.