Alla-prima

/ˌɑlə ˈpriːmə/ noun

A painting technique where the artwork is completed in one session while the paint is still wet, without underpainting or extensive layering. The approach emphasizes directness and spontaneity in capturing the subject.

From Italian meaning 'at first' or 'at once,' referring to the direct, immediate approach of completing a painting in a single sitting. The technique became prominent during the Impressionist era when artists painted outdoors and needed to work quickly.

📖 Full word page — etymology, 47 translations, audio 🔑 Get Free API Key — 50 lookups/day 📚 Read the Docs — integrate Word Orb