What is a glaze in painting?

A glaze in painting refers to a thin, transparent layer of color applied over a dried layer of paint. This technique allows the underlying colors to show through while adding depth and richness to the final appearance. Glazing can enhance luminosity and create a more dynamic range of colors, providing a subtle shift that wouldn't be possible with a single layer of opaque paint. Artists often use glazes to build up complexity in their work, layering multiple glazes to achieve the desired visual effects. This practice is particularly common in oil painting, where the translucency of the glaze can create stunning effects with light and shadow.

The other options describe different concepts unrelated to the definition of a glaze. For example, a thick layer of texture implies a more impasto approach, which contrasts with the transparency of a glaze. Meanwhile, a technique used to mix colors addresses color theory practices rather than the application of paint itself. Lastly, a type of brush does not pertain to the method of applying color but rather to the tools used in the painting process.