When you see a painting that looks fresh, alive, and full of energy—like the artist just finished it minutes ago—that’s often direct painting, a technique where paint is applied quickly and directly onto the canvas without layers or underpainting. Also known as alla prima, it’s the go-to method for artists who want to capture light, mood, and movement in real time. Unlike traditional methods that build up layers over days or weeks, direct painting happens in one sitting. You mix your colors on the palette, apply them straight to the surface, and let the brushwork speak for itself. There’s no hiding behind glazes or corrections. What you see is what was made in the moment.
This style thrives in plein air painting, the practice of painting outdoors to capture natural light and atmosphere, where the sun moves, shadows shift, and weather changes fast. Artists like Joaquín Sorolla and modern painters like Richard Schmid mastered direct painting because it matches the pace of nature. It’s also common in oil painting and watercolor painting, two mediums that respond well to fast, decisive strokes and wet-on-wet blending. You don’t need fancy tools—just good brushes, fresh pigment, and the courage to commit. Many artists say it feels more honest. No overworking. No second-guessing. Just seeing and making at the same time.
Direct painting doesn’t mean sloppy. It means intentional. Every stroke counts. Color mixing happens on the palette, not the canvas. Edges are sharp or soft by design. Brush pressure changes with the form. It’s a skill built through repetition, not theory. If you’ve ever watched a portrait artist finish a face in under an hour, or a landscape painter capture a sunset before it fades—that’s direct painting in action. It’s not for everyone. Some find it too risky. Others find it the only way to keep their work alive.
Below, you’ll find real posts from artists who use this method every day. Some break down how they mix colors on the fly. Others show how they handle changing light. A few even explain why they refuse to paint any other way. Whether you’re new to painting or looking to shake up your process, these guides give you the tools to try it yourself—no studio required.
Alta prima is a direct oil painting technique where artists complete a piece in one session using wet-on-wet brushwork. It captures light and movement with bold, spontaneous strokes and is favored by plein air and portrait painters.