How to Do Alla Prima Painting

Alla prima is a painting technique that literally means "at first." It describes a piece of art that the artist does in one sitting. Alla prima artists start by making a rough drawing with only a few tones of paint. Later, details and more colors are added. Alla prima is a good way to get started in painting, and can be used to create portraits and still life paintings.

Things You'll Need

• Canvas
• Paint brushes
• Acrylic or oil paint
• Glazes

Instructions

1. Sketch out the subject of the drawing in one color using a dry brush. Use an umber, black or gray paint on a pale background.

2. Mix the dark color with light colors to add two more tones. Use these tones to add details and shadow to the painting.

3. Paint shadows on the drawing with the lighter colors. To paint accurate shadows, observe light and shadow in the actual setting. Overhead light creates short shadows that run across the center of the object. Front lighting casts shadows behind an object. Side light creates side shadows. Light that falls at a 45-degree angle gives a combination of front and side lighting.

4. Add some white highlights. Allow the painting to dry.

5. Apply colored glazes over the dark colors. The paint should be translucent so that the original dark colors still show through, defining details and shadows. The result is that the color you apply is darkened or lightened by the color underneath.

6. Touch up the painting by adding more color where desired. Add finishing touches. Allow the painting to dry.