Alla prima

Oil-Based Pigments, Continued Alla prima Alla prima painting is a technique in which the painting is started and finished in one sitting. Only the finishing step is applied later after the painting dries. Improvised A technique in which there is no structure or preplanning of images and paint painting application is called improvised painting. Special equipment Special equipment used to create special effects consists of scraping tools, paper towels or sponges, and toothbrushes. Tools you chose to create special effects is limited only by your imagination. SCRAPING TOOLS: Scraping tools remove pigment from canvas. A scraping tool leaves a distinct mark and can expose the linen texture of the canvas. Scraping tools include palette knives, razor blades, pins, nails, saw blades-any object that will remove the pigment. PAPER TOWELS and SPONGES: Paper towels and sponges push pigment around on the canvas surface imparting their own imprint to the paint. TOOTHBRUSHES: Toothbrushes or any stiff bristled brush will texture paint when you stab or drag the bristles through the pigment. Oil paint storage When painting in oil paint, you can save excess paint left on the palette between painting sessions by immersing the palette in clean, cool water. Water does not dilute or affect oil-based paints. Finishing techniques Most oil paints require an over coat of thin, soft varnish or shellac. You may apply varnish or shellac as a matte or gloss surface treatment. Make sure the painting is thoroughly dry before applying a finish coat. If you do not, moisture trapped under the finish medium hazes or forms white clouds. This aberration is known as bloom. Exercises in oil Practice handling oil-based paints with a brush. Load the brush with the paint pigment. Palette the brush to position the pigment. Blend colors and values. Develop a thorough, methodical procedure for painting. 1-52