Katya Held, “Alla Prima Demo (detail),” oil on canvas, 20 x 16 inches

Alla prima (Italian for “at first attempt”), in which layers of wet paint are applied to previous wet paint layers, is challenging and satisfying for the artist and the viewer. A prestigious atelier is offering a chance to learn about its glorious history and watch professional artists demonstrate its power.

Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia will soon be hosting a special event surrounding the history and practice of the alla prima technique. Admission is free for the October 19 event and will be hosted on the studio’s campus between 6-9 PM.

Christopher Nixon, “Alla Prima Portrait,” oil on canvas, 20 x 16 inches
Natalie Italiano, “Sade,” oil on canvas, 14 x 14 inches

During the event, instructors Natalie Italiano, Katya Held, Christopher Nixon, Peter Kelsey, and Rob Goodman will be demonstrating their unique approaches to the technique while Alisyn Blake lectures on the nuances of the process. “Their work brings to life a companion presentation by noted artist/scholar Patrick Connors who explains how artists from van Eyck to Monet have used the technique as a way to inform their work in an intuitive and spontaneous manner,” the studio’s website says. “In addition, visitors can discover the story behind Studio Incamminati artists’ skills with informal studio tours and conversations with alumni and students.”

Peter Kelsey, “Gabrielle Alla Prima,” 2013, oil on linen, 20 x 16 inches
Rob Goodman, “Demonstration Painting of Luis Ledesma,” oil on canvas, 16 x 16 inches

The event has been co-sponsored and organized by the Italian Consulate with Ciao Philadelphia which celebrates the influence of the region’s Italian-American community. To learn more, visit Studio Incamminati.

This article was featured in Fine Art Today, a weekly e-newsletter from Fine Art Connoisseur magazine. To start receiving Fine Art Today for free, click here.


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