grafikum

Traditional Art Week In this article we will present a method of oil painting which utilizes individual layers to solve a problem at a time. Although well known, I can only call it a modified version, since painting methods varied greatly among schools and teachers. Disclaimer The following is based on one of my lecture demonstrations. I used a self portrait by Anthony Van Dyck as a subject to apply this method, the goal being not to copy. His work is an exceptional example to learn from, it is soft and gentle enough yet bold and painterly where appropriate. I must emphasize that this is not a representation of how Van Dyck painted. However

Traditional Art Defining Alla Prima In this tutorial we will explore the alla prima approach. So, what is "alla prima"? Alla prima is an Italian term meaning at first attempt. In other words it's a direct, wet on wet painting method, using one layer of paint, done in one session. If the scale allows it then the painting can be done before the paint starts to dry. If it's a large painting then you're forced to paint it in parts in the same manner. Although that would disqualify it from being an alla prima painting. Now, this is one way to do it but it doesn't mean it's the only way or the best way to go with it. But no matter our approach w