Academy of Realist Art
Academy of Realist Art

Alla Prima Portrait Painting

24 Jul, 2026
-
26 Jul, 2026

Duration: 3 days
Location: ARA Toronto
Instructor: Miriam Rosenthal
Full Price: $475
Deposit Required: $150

Alla Prima Portrait Painting

Original price was: $475.00.Current price is: $150.00.

In this workshop, participants will work from different live models each day to master the art of Alla Prima portrait painting. Using this direct painting method, students will be guided step-by-step through the process of creating a finished Alla Prima portrait.

 

3 in stock

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In this workshop, participants will work from different live models each day to master the art of Alla Prima portrait painting. Using this direct painting method, they will be guided step-by-step through the process of creating a finished Alla Prima portrait.

Participants will learn how to begin directly on the canvas with a drawing, followed by placing colours and brushstrokes concisely to capture the complexity and forms of the portrait. They will also explore using thinner and thicker layers of paint to convey form and texture in a sculptural way without overworking the painting

The workshop emphasizes efficient sight-measurement, accurate colour mixing for convincing skin tones, and maintaining the fresh, spontaneous quality that defines successful Alla Prima painting.

The class will meet in our studio from 10 am – 4 pm each day.

Full workshop price is $475 (model fee included), and a $150 deposit is required to save your spot. The balance will be due on the first day of the workshop.

 

Materials

Oil Colours

  • Titanium white white
  • Cadmium yellow med
  • Yellow ochre light or pale
  • Cadmium red med
  • Alizarin Crimson
  • Burnt umber
  • Raw umber
  • Lamp black or ivory black
  • Ultramarine or Prussian Blue
Note: Purchase only Artist Grade paints. Do not use Winton or water soluble paints.

Solvent

  • Odorless mineral spirits (GamSol). Turpentine is NOT permitted in the studio.

Mediums

  • Linseed oil
  • Liquin or another alkyd dryer

Canvas

  • 3 primed canvases or panels 11”by 14”

Tools

  • Palette (Select one of the following): Glass, wood or paper (Grey Matters)
  • Palette knife
  • 2 medium cups (small cups with lids for holding medium or mineral spirits)
  • 2 small jars for cleaning brushes
  • Rags or paper towels or shop towels

Brushes (either natural or synthetic hair)

  • 2-3 Bristle hair filbert brushes – ranging in size from #2 to #8
  • 10-15 Soft hair filbert brushes – ranging in size from #0 to #12
Note: numbers will not match every brand of brush. Make sure to have a range of small, medium and large. These are the minimum brushes required, feel free to bring more

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About ARA Workshops

Each participant gets lots of one-on-one attention from our superb instructors. ARA instructors teach year round so, unlike many artists who offer summer/holiday workshops our instructors are professional teachers as well as accomplished artists. Whether you are an award-winning experienced artist or have never painted before, our instructors will tailor to your skill level. If you have any questions or are having trouble with online registration, please contact us.