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Course

Painting alla Prima

ART-40656

6 Weeks | In-class

Painting alla prima, or the “direct” painting method, is a fast-paced, centuries-old painting technique that coaxes the painter to be bold and decisive. In this introductory course, you will learn to apply layers of wet paint on canvas to quickly capture the essence of the subject matter—from landscapes, still life, and figures. Building on a review of essential visual art principles such as composition, values, and color mixing, you will develop confidence with paint handling and the ability to be decisive with your brush strokes. In a positive and constructive environment designed to support you as you grow as an artist, your instructor supplies the subject matter and demonstrates step-by-step as you follow along. Work done wet-on-wet or "alla prima" can be carried out in one or more sessions—depending on the type of paints used and their drying time— but it is mostly done in one session or "sitting" only. Through demonstrations, in-class projects, individual critiques and group discussions, students will expand their creative abilities by trying this painting approach perfect for beginners and more advanced painters alike. Recommended medium: oils, acrylics with slow-drying medium.

What You Will Learn:

  • Principles of paint layering (underpainting and stains) and composition.

  • Overview of values, color mixing, and massing and shapes.

  • Still life, outdoor, and figure painting.

  • Developing confidence with handling oil paints.

  • Expanding techniques of oil painting, focusing on painting wet-on-wet.

  • Understanding compositional techniques and color theory.

  • Developing appreciation and understanding of the historic development of this style.

Quarters Offered: Summer | In-class
Course Fee: $245
Course Length: 6 weeks
Prerequisite: Introduction to Painting (ART-40180) or equivalent experience.
Note: Elective course for Art and the Creative Process professional certificate.

Materials: Students can choose to either use oils or acrylics. Please see the attached materials list under 'Related Documents'.

Course Information

In-Person
2.00 units
$220.00

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Related Documents

This course applies to these programs

Art and the Creative Process

Course sessions

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Section ID:

186159

Class type:

This is a traditional classroom setting.

All class meetings held in-person according to published location, dates and times. Students may be expected to engage with course content online during the published course dates.

Textbooks:

All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 1/13/2025
  • Early Enrollment Discount: $220 ($245 if enrolled after 12/9/2024)
  • 1st no meeting date: 1/20/2025
  • 2nd no meeting date: 2/17/2025
  • Early enrollment advised
  • No visitors permitted

Note:

SCBWI/MOPA/SDMA members can take advantage of our $25 Early Enrollment discount at any time prior to course start date. The maximum discount a member can receive for one class is $25. Discount is applied upon course enrollment over the phone or in person with proof of membership.

Schedule:

Date Day Start End Location
1/6/2025 Mon 5:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Room 0212B, Mosaic Building, 9605 Scholar’s Drive North, La Jolla
1/13/2025 Mon 5:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Room 0212B, Mosaic Building, 9605 Scholar’s Drive North, La Jolla
1/27/2025 Mon 5:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Room 0212B, Mosaic Building, 9605 Scholar’s Drive North, La Jolla
2/3/2025 Mon 5:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Room 0212B, Mosaic Building, 9605 Scholar’s Drive North, La Jolla
2/10/2025 Mon 5:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Room 0212B, Mosaic Building, 9605 Scholar’s Drive North, La Jolla
2/24/2025 Mon 5:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Room 0212B, Mosaic Building, 9605 Scholar’s Drive North, La Jolla
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Instructor: Susan Wickstrand

Susan Wickstrand
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