Adventures in Alla Prima

Whether you call it alla prima or au premier coup, the method of painting directly in a single session is foreign to me.  My method has been to start with a monochromatic underpainting to establish values, and then to paint translucently or opaquely on top of that.  (I generally don't glaze).  Lately, however, I've wanted to loosen up, and try to become more "painterly." 

I love working from life whenever possible, and I was fortunate that my sister, Andrea, agreed to sit for me this past Sunday.  This painted sketch took a little over three hours, which was amazingly quick for me, and I had a blast!  

Not only did I make an attempt at painting in a way I'm unaccustomed to, but I also decided to try a different color palette.  Though it is a very standard palette, it too was not one I usually employ.  The colors I used were:  cadmium yellow, cadmium orange, cadmium red, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, alizarin crimson, French ultramarine, cobalt blue, viridian, titanium white, and black Roman earth.  Black Roman earth is one of Williamsburg Paints Native Italian Earths, and it is my new favorite black:  it is warmer than ivory black, and I enjoyed using it very much.  The next time I do this, however, I will probably add a darker earth red so I can create deeper, warmer shadows.

I can't wait 'til next time!  Thanks, Andrea!