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Alla prima portrait painting basics

Video: “How To Begin An Oil Painting, Alla Prima + Color Mixing Basics (Zorn Palette)” by Michael John Nolan on YouTube.

Alla Prima Portrait Painting Basics

Alla prima, or "wet-on-wet," is a dynamic and spontaneous approach to painting that allows artists to complete their work in a single session. This technique is particularly effective for portrait painting, where capturing the essence of the subject quickly is essential. In this tutorial, we will explore the basics of alla prima portrait painting, including what you'll need, key techniques, common beginner mistakes, and an encouraging wrap-up to get you started on your art journey.

What You'll Need

Before you begin your alla prima portrait painting, gather the following materials:

• Oil paints: A limited palette, such as the Zorn palette, which includes titanium white, ivory black, yellow ochre, and cadmium red, is ideal for beginners.
• Brushes: A variety of brushes in different sizes, including flat and round brushes, will help you achieve different effects.
• Palette: A wooden or glass palette for mixing your paints.
• Canvas or canvas board: A primed canvas or canvas board to paint on. Choose a size that feels comfortable for you.
• Medium: A painting medium, such as linseed oil or turpentine, to modify the consistency of your paint.
• Palette knife: For mixing paint and applying texture.
• Rags or paper towels: To clean your brushes and wipe excess paint.
• Reference photo or live model: Use a high-quality reference photo or, if possible, a live model for your portrait.

Key Techniques Step by Step

Now that you have your materials ready, follow these steps to create your alla prima portrait:

Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace

Choose a well-lit area to set up your easel, canvas, and palette. Make sure you have all your materials within reach for an efficient workflow.

Step 2: Blocking In

Start by lightly sketching the basic shapes of the face using a thin mix of paint. Focus on proportions and placement rather than details. This will serve as your foundation.

Step 3: Establishing the Values

Using a mid-tone colour, begin to establish the light and shadow areas of the face. This step is crucial for creating depth and dimension.

Step 4: Adding Colour

Once the values are established, start adding colour. Work from dark to light, layering your paint while it's still wet. Use your palette knife to mix your colours and ensure a smooth application.

Step 5: Refining Details

As you build up layers, start refining the details of the portrait, such as the eyes, mouth, and hair. Use smaller brushes for these intricate areas, and remember to keep your brushwork loose and expressive.

Step 6: Final Touches

Step back and assess your painting. Add any final touches to enhance the overall composition and balance. This may include adjusting highlights or deepening shadows.

Common Beginner Mistakes

As you embark on your alla prima portrait painting journey, be mindful of these common beginner mistakes:

• Overworking the paint: Avoid the temptation to keep fiddling with areas of the painting. Sometimes, less is more!
• Ignoring values: Focusing solely on colour can lead to a flat appearance. Ensure you consider both value and colour for a more dynamic portrait.
• Not using enough paint: Alla prima requires a generous application of paint. Using too little can result in a lack of vibrancy and texture.
• Neglecting composition: Spend time planning your composition before diving in. A solid foundation will save you time and frustration later on.

Encouraging Wrap-Up

Alla prima portrait painting is an exciting and rewarding process that encourages spontaneity and creativity. Remember that practice is key to improvement. Don’t be discouraged by initial struggles—each painting is a step on your artistic journey. Embrace the experience, learn from it, and most importantly, have fun! With time and dedication, you will see your skills develop and your confidence grow. Happy painting!