Alla prima

Alla prima is a painting technique in which a canvas is usually completed in one session. These portraits are some of the things I painted this week - all from life, and using only natural light. Painting in the dark (relatively speaking) was quite a challenge.

I got an e-mail from my friend Ed this morning, and he sent me a quote from a book he'd read recently: "There is a saying in art circles that says every artist needs someone standing right behind them with a sledgehammer to let them know when the artwork is finished." So true.

I KNEW it was time to stop on Monday's painting, but no, I didn't. Tuesday I ruined it, and got so frustrated I stomped out of the room in a hissy fit. Poor Mr. Chatov thought he'd done something to hurt my feelings, and was relieved that it was only creative pique, which he assured me he experiences on a regular basis.