Alla Prima

Alla Prima means "at first try" or to finish a painting in one painting session. When you work "Alla Prima" it helps to paint on a small canvas - that way you can finish your painting in one painting session.

This type of painting is very difficult to do as you have to be able to mix your colors rapidly. Many outdoor painters or "plein aire painters" use Alla Prima as they only have time for one painting session. They may go back to the same painting location 2 or 3 more times to get the entire painting finished.

I would have to say Alla Prima is more for the advanced painter. As you get more experience mixing colors you will get faster at painting and be able to do this technique.

If you are a beginner take your time and go at your own pace. You will get better the more you paint.

In the painting below I painted "Del Puerto Canyon" on location but I had to go back about 3 times to get the painting finished.