alla prima: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Specialized (C2)Formal, Artistic
Quick answer
What does “alla prima” mean?
a painting technique in which a final painting is completed in a single session, while the paint is still wet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a painting technique in which a final painting is completed in a single session, while the paint is still wet
direct, spontaneous execution without underpainting or later alteration; more broadly, any first attempt or immediate execution without preparation
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or frequency. The term is equally specialist in both dialects.
Connotations
Conveys expertise, traditional technique, and artistic skill. May carry connotations of virtuosity and confidence.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used almost exclusively by artists, art historians, critics, and informed enthusiasts.
Grammar
How to Use “alla prima” in a Sentence
[artist] + paints + [object] + alla prima[painting] + is + executed/done/painted + alla primato work alla primaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alla prima” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He painted the sky alla prima in about twenty minutes.
- The portrait was executed alla prima over a single long session.
American English
- She works alla prima, finishing a canvas in a day.
- To capture the fleeting effect, you must paint alla prima.
adjective
British English
- The alla prima sections of the painting are the most vibrant.
- She prefers an alla prima method for her plein air studies.
American English
- The alla prima passages show confident brushwork.
- His alla prima sketch captured the light perfectly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in art history and fine art practice texts and lectures.
Everyday
Extremely rare, only in conversations about painting techniques.
Technical
Core term in oil painting instruction and studio practice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alla prima”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alla prima”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alla prima”
- Spelling: 'ala prima', 'alla primma'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'quickly' outside an artistic context.
- Mispronouncing 'prima' as /ˈpraɪmə/ instead of /ˈpriːmə/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While most associated with oils, the concept can apply to any wet media (acrylic, watercolour) where the work is completed in one sitting without letting layers dry.
They are largely synonymous in practice. 'Alla prima' (Italian) emphasizes the 'first attempt' aspect, while 'wet-on-wet' (English) describes the physical process of applying paint onto wet paint.
Yes, but corrections are made by scraping off or painting over wet paint, not by letting it dry and glazing. Major changes can lead to muddiness, so planning is key.
John Singer Sargent, Joaquín Sorolla, Anders Zorn, and many Impressionists like Monet and Renoir used alla prima techniques extensively.
a painting technique in which a final painting is completed in a single session, while the paint is still wet.
Alla prima is usually formal, artistic in register.
Alla prima: in British English it is pronounced /ˌælə ˈpriːmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑlə ˈprimə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's an alla prima job.”
- “He has an alla prima manner about him. (extended metaphorical use)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ALL At once, PRIME effort' – the first attempt is the final one, done with primary focus.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARTISTIC SPONTANEITY IS IMMEDIATE EXECUTION (e.g., 'He writes alla prima, with few revisions.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of an 'alla prima' painting?