Plum

alla prima plum on linen 6"x6"

When working in layers, as in the indirect method of painting, you really can take your time to build up the light and dark values in a painting.  I am used to always starting a painting in the mid-tones and adding my highlights and transparent darks near the end.  Indirect painting is a great way to separate all the different problems in painting, drawing and composition, value, color, edges and paint quality.  For me, to concentrate on each problem at the same to complete a painting in one sitting is extremely challenging.

Painting alla prima

I'm beginning to experiment with painting alla prima, which is when paint is mixed directly from the tube and a painting is completed in one sitting as opposed to layering and glazing until proper color and values are built up over time.  I hadn't realized how much I depend on using the transparent/opaque qualities of oil paint in my regular layered painting style.  My desire is to have more vibrant color and develop effective brushwork to have a more painterly feel in my work.  Studying alla prima and plein air seem like the way to reach that goal.  I've been experimenting with different supports as well, this little painting is on linen.  I usually work on panels when I layer and glaze and I always smooth my brushstrokes, but I can see the linen is much more beautiful when painting alla prima.