in a way of speaking...

Peonies - work in progress - oil on canvas

Alla Prima is a direct style of painting, and is literally translated from Italian meaning 'at once'.  Instead of building up layers of paint with glazes and underpainting, the painting is usually completed in one sitting with the paint expressively applied in a direct manner. 
I am struck by this "manner of speaking";  how easily it demonstrates the correlation between the way paint is applied to an inner voice of an artist.  It seems to me, a direct painting method can be a sure and confidant voice, like a song on a clear day...not stopping to think about consequences, just continuing until it's voice runs out.  No wonder it's alive and expressive!  Like a voice influenced by emotion, the process of painting mines an artist's nature, finding it's way to song.

Most painters employ a variety of process's to arrive at what "rocks their boat".  I always think that should be encouraged...having only one process becomes production which is a killjoy to the creative spirit.  

I'm really enjoying reading this book loaned to me by a friend; 'The Muse' by author Jessie Burton.  The plot is compelling and the writing  beautiful too...each paragraph like a fresh new peach.  It will appeal to any artist or art lover.