“An August Morning at Thunderbird Falls", 2025
Alla Prima
Oil on Belgian linen board, 16 x12
Buy a print
Inquire about the original
Alla Prima
Oil on Belgian linen board, 16 x12
Buy a print
Inquire about the original
This is a waterfall near my home that I don't visit nearly enough. To feel lost in the mountains, smelling the trees and the icy, fresh mist from the waterfall will improve any mood.
This is my first attempt to paint "alla prima", or in one sitting. Traditional oil paintings typically rely on many layers of thin paint that take days, if not weeks to dry before the next addition can be made. It allows for complex detail and nuanced color glazing that oils are known for. The alla prima approach still enjoys the beautiful, rich colors of oil, but creates something much closer to concept art--loose details, but emotionally evocative. Because all of the paint remains wet, much care must be made not to pollute colors with each other and create mud. Easier said than done, but like most things, enjoyable when it goes right!
This is my first attempt to paint "alla prima", or in one sitting. Traditional oil paintings typically rely on many layers of thin paint that take days, if not weeks to dry before the next addition can be made. It allows for complex detail and nuanced color glazing that oils are known for. The alla prima approach still enjoys the beautiful, rich colors of oil, but creates something much closer to concept art--loose details, but emotionally evocative. Because all of the paint remains wet, much care must be made not to pollute colors with each other and create mud. Easier said than done, but like most things, enjoyable when it goes right!
