In knife painting, an artist paints a canvas using a palette knife instead of a paintbrush. This method is known for having vigorous and audacious strokes which produce a unique texture and visual effect. Knife painting has been done throughout history but became especially famous during the Impressionist period in the late 19th century. Famous masters of knife painting include Van Gogh who applied the technique in many of his masterpieces including the well-known Starry Night painting. Another advanced artist famous for knife painting is Leonid Afremov whose cityscapes, painted with a palette knife, capture the brilliance of the atmosphere. This technique of painting permits artists to express themselves and emotions in timorous way and produce dynamic pieces enriched with texture that thrill the observer's senses and display boundless vigor.