Definition: A style of painting where, instead of building colours up with layers, the painting is done in one session while the paint is still wet. From the Italian word which literally means at once.
Alla Prima painting techniques are frequently used by the Old Masters; such as Van Gogh and even John Singer Sargent. These Masters used Ala Prima painting techniques for making studies and sketches mainly from life and for completing a work over an underpainting done quickly. However, many Ala Prima paintings are considered completed works of art expressing the essence of the moment and the “feeling” of the scene.
NOTE On “Alla and Ala” used both ways: Taking their cue from the impressionists, modern plein air artists generally paint "ala prima" laying down a scene with quick broad, colorful brush strokes — foregoing the typical ‘building up’ of the painting. Sessions on location last from a few hours to the better part of a day, depending on the light and weather. It is a generally accepted practice that once back in the studio, the artist will add a few final touches to complete their plein air painting. (Both “Ala and Alla” are used in the same usage.)
