I prefer to paint from life where creative expression is a challenge and requires immediate response to a models gesture or sunlights fleeting glow. Thus, alla prima painting is painting directly from life usually in one or two painting sessions. This is the ultimate in representational painting because it requires years of experience and dedication to develop the skill needed to successfully create art almost immediately.
Much of alla prima oil painting is impulse and judgement. However, one must have developed the skills of good drawing, values, color and edges to really be able to express the essence of representational art. Even the best abstract artist must have this foundation to build their work upon.
Artist's Statement
