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Watson-Guptill

Alla Prima: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Direct Painting

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Description

Alla Prima is a comprehensive guide to direct painting, characterised by bold, expressive brushwork and a painterly, atmospheric surface. It covers the history of the direct methods in both Europe and America. From there, it includes detailed step-by-step lessons and discussions on drawing structure, broken and smooth brushwork, and colour development. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Watson-Guptill


Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 6, 2009


Edition ‏ : ‎ First Edition


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 160 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0823098346


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 47


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.33 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.31 x 0.73 x 11.31 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #251,261 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #42 in Oil Painting #318 in Graphic Design Color Use #626 in Art History (Books)


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Good comprehensive yet simple book to understand
I bought this book as a Christmas gift for one of my favorite art students. I felt it would be the most helpful for her at her stage of knowledge in order for her to progress. I have literally given away libraries full of art books and this one will remain on my shelf in order to teach and inspire growth in budding artist who have the desire to learn the important basics. This book is not one method but just about covers every method of starting a piece and having a clear idea of finishing it as well. It would be helpful for serious beginners and a good refresher for long time artist. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2020 by just sayin
    • Excellent Book. Generous and clear.
"Alla Prima: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Direct Painting" is very readable. Particularly valuable is the author's understanding of the history of painting techniques. He shows how advances in portability of materials and photography have influenced artists' decision-making process throughout the long history of painting. Regarding specific painting techniques, the author gives fine examples of his and others' paintings that show different principles and methods in action. There is a lot covered in this volume by one who has clearly spent a lot of his life painting. Well done and inspiring. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2009 by Vootee1
    • A good mix of basics and advanced techniques.
It's hard to find good books on Alla Prima painting, but this is one. If I'd found it several years ago, it could have saved me considerable trial and error, but I still found much to interest me here. Gury covers several styles (direct, indirect, color and tone blocking, wipe out), and subject matter (portraits, figures, still life, landscapes), providing a good mix of basics and advanced techniques. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2018 by Alaskaguy
    • A must for serious painters
Setting the stage with a valuable historical perspective, this book covers not just the "basics", but also provides a great section on techniques in genres such as portraiture, still life and landscape. The examples given enhance the text, which is concise, informative and highly professional. The demonstrations are very useful and fun. I am glad to have purchased one more of Al Gury's books because he pays much attention to detail and is a superb teacher; truly a book to learn from. Great Buy! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2011 by SusanneKE
    • All at one time
Alla Prima ( also an art term for direct "all-at-one-time' painting in oil or acrylic) is very beautifully illustrated and the author has a firm grip on the technique. It is a book that will appeal to more experienced painters and those with ability. A beginner would be at a disadvantage unless they would have some basics skills. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2014 by prof joe
    • Alla Prima Review
This book is written by a teacher at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He represents a strong tradition traced back to before Eakins, Daniel Garber, Lou Sloan and Mr. DeCosta. Reading this book has gotten me back on track with my painting career. Contains chapters on everything from the beginning of direct painting on through the colors you use, mediums, brushes, etc. Contains many fabulous illustrations by different arts. A must have book for the serious painter. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2009 by Suzanne Savaria
    • Excellent
Great book with practical tips and examples. I found it a good overview with concrete approaches for direct painting. I came away with what I already knew that practice is key to improvement and finding a method that works for you. I appreciated all the examples and the other suggested reading at the end of the book. I see myself using this as a reference frequently. It was clear to understand and follow. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2011 by cathy
    • Dissapointed
I bought this book thinking it would be for more advanced painters. I found it to be a basic how to book for beginners. I will donate the book to the library.
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2025 by D. Richardson

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