Alla Prima: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Direct Painting is a practical and comprehensive guide to direct painting, particularly as it is expressed though the work of the author's mentor, Arthur DeCosta, the legendary master teacher.
The book covers the history of the direct methods in both Europe and America. From there, it covers detailed step-by-step lessons and invaluable discussions on drawing structure, broken and smooth brushwork and colour development. Through illustrated steps, analysis and historical information, lessons on colour mixing, palettes and materials, brush technique, drawing and paint layering, portraiture, still life, figure and landscape painting are covered.
The book features the work of the European masters of the direct approach, from the old masters (Rubens, Rembrandt, Velazquez) and the late 19th and early 20th century masters (Degas, Renoir, Manet, Monet, Matisse, Cezanne) to the American Prime masters (Sargent, Whistler, Henri, Eakins, Bellows) who spawned such vibrant late 20th century painters as Alice Noel, Wayne Thichaud and Jim Dinc.
This is an inspirational book for both professionals and amateurs who want to experiment with the potential creativity and context of direct painting.
