05/14 Intro to Alla Prima Painting Workshop
This class explores the exciting and direct process of painting portraits alla prima—meaning “at first attempt”—teaching students how to complete a portrait in a single sitting while capturing the immediacy, energy, and expression of the subject.
Description
This class will focus on the exciting and direct process of painting portraits alla prima, a phrase that translates to “at first attempt.” Rather than building a painting slowly over many layers, students will learn how to complete a portrait in a single sitting, capturing the immediacy, energy, and expression of the subject.
Each day we will begin and finish a new painting using either photographic reference or a live model, giving students repeated opportunities to practice observation, decision-making, and confident brushwork. Through demonstrations, guided instruction, and individual feedback, students will explore techniques for simplifying form, mixing accurate flesh tones, and working efficiently with oil paint.
This class is open to artists of all levels—from beginners looking to build foundational skills to experienced painters who want to loosen up their approach and paint with greater expression and bravado.
About the Instructor
Dustin Adamson (b. 1987) is an emerging American artist trained in the classical tradition of painting and drawing. Dustin has a strong interest in the art and techniques of the old masters, from the Renaissance to the nineteenth century. After graduating in 2010 from with Distinction from San Diego State University, he began to study figurative drawing, painting, and sculpture with Justin Hess and Alicia Ponzio and human anatomy with Noah Buchanan. After studying for several years in the Bay Area he moved to New Jersey and studied at the Florence Academy of Art US. There he studied intensively an academic curriculum grounded in the 19th-century classical-realist tradition.
During his studies at the Florence Academy of Art US, Dustin received numerous awards and scholarships; including an award for Painting of the Year and the position of teaching assistant.
See Dustin's work here: www.dustinadamsonfineart.com
Supply List
Paint Colors
I recommend using an Artist grade paint like Gamblin, Windsor Newton, Michael Harding, etc.
Required Colors These represent a classical, limited palette.
- Titanium White
- Yellow Ocher
- Venetian Red or Cadmium Red Light- Ivory Black
- Raw Umber
Other Painting Supplies
- Gamsol or similar Odorless Mineral Spirit, 8oz (No Turpentine)
- Linseed Oil, 4oz
- Silicoil Jar for cleaning brushes
- Palette Cup for painting medium (Glass or metal with lid)
- Palette, Disposable Paper Palette or Wooden Palette approximately 12”x16”
- Sta-Wet Palette Seal (Blue Lid) or Tupperware to transport your wet paint palette to and from class
- Paper Towels or Lint-Free Rag
- Palette knife, tear-drop shape with approximately a 1.5”-2” blade for mixing
Paint Surface
- Three 12”x16” Canvas Panels
Brushes
- Several Long-Handled Flat or Filbert (Synthetic or Natural Hog) These will be stiffer and range from small to large. I recommend Princeton Ashley size 2, 4, 6, and 8. If you can, get a couple of sizes 2 and 4
- One or two Short-Handled Round. A synthetic sable for details. A simple Princeton Select size 3 or 4 will do
Recommended Art Store
California Art Supply