Learning How to Paint Part 2 - The Process

To capture the essence of a landscape or outdoor still life where the light is constantly changing, you need to work quickly. In a short time you have to capture the important essence of the mood and feeling of light in your painting. This is the essence of plein air painting. To do this you need to use an ' alla prima' painting process. Alla prima means 'all in one sitting or session', so you can actually use this approach in the studio as well as outdoors.
Here is an overview of a nine-step alla prima painting process for painting plein air in oil and acrylics. I have combined the best of the various practices I have seen and documented in this course unit. The nice thing about this process is that it does not waste any time. This is really important when you don't have much time. For example when the light is changing outdoors, your subject is likely to move and walk away, or you just want to do a studio painting where you want to a nice loose feeling and so want to complete the painting in one.
Happy painting!
Barry John Raybould
Virtual Art Academy

For details of our structured, comprehensive, four-year program for serious artists who want to learn how to paint using any oils, acrylics, watercolors, or pastels., see www.VirtualArtAcademy.com