What is Alla Prima?
Alla prima, or "at first attempt", is a painting method in which the artist completes a painting in a single sitting, allowing for confidence and vast creativity. The technique allows the artist to apply a layer of wet paint over another layer until the artist completes the entire painting.

The method can use quick, broad brushstrokes and a limited palette for capturing the essence of a subject matter instead of the details; however, the energy and freshness in a final artwork is the reward for the practice and patience that is required to master the method.
How Do I Get Started Painting?
In the words of Bob Ross, "You too can paint almighty pictures."

Alla prima requires the canvas to be primed, dried, and then covered in a very thin layer of base paint. This base paint allows your brushstrokes to glide across the canvas and blend beautifully with other layers. Be sure you understand the mixing of colors and how to use those colors effectively in your painting. With just a few oil paint colors, you can create beautiful mixed colors that will be stunning to the eye when appropriately applied.
Want To Know More?
Alla Prima Painting Tutorial - 5 Easy Steps to Get Started (Video, by Florent Farges )