To capture the essence of a landscape or outdoor (plein air) still life where the light is constantly changing, you need to work quickly. In a short time you have to capture the important essence of the mood and feeling of light in your painting. This is the essence of plein air painting. The process is called the "plein air alla prima painting process".

This course unit describes in detail the nine-step plein air alla prima painting process I use for my plein air paintings in oil and acrylics. (If you are interested in the watercolor plein air painting process, see Process Unit 1 - Watercolor Step-by-Step) This plein air alla prima painting process is quick and efficient and will help you get the best results. Best of all, the same plein air alla prima painting technique is equally applicable to studio work where you want to a nice loose feeling and want to complete a painting in one or more sessions and to figure work when the figures are likely to move. Plein air painters usually work light, often using a pochade box. A pochade box is a small lightweight box used for painting outdoors.

"Like ALL the other guides that Barry John Raybould has developed, this painting guide is outstanding. Not only is the information presented clearly with helpful visuals, but there are tips and concepts that are rarely, if at all, covered anywhere else. An exciting find! "

"I found the booklet very helpful and worth the price. Much better than many of the art instruction books I have purchased over the years."

Each of the plein air alla prima painting steps are illustrated with examples of two different paintings, and include about 30 important tips that I have found to be extremely helpful to me when painting outdoors (plein air) that you should know about. I also describe 18 common problems that you are likely to run into when you are plein air painting and what to do about them. The course unit finishes with a detailed discussion of two award-winning plein air alla prima paintings, and what made them work.

In this course unit I also describe eight key ideas that in my opinion will make the most difference to helping you improve your plein air alla prima paintings and help make them stand out.

"This is fabulous! Thank you so much - I've referred you to another plein air artist here in Oregon - your instruction is incredible. Thanks again." ... Mary Lou, Beaverton, OR, United States.

"I've been painting for about 7 years now, everyday on my own. During these seven years I purchased every oil painters art book I could find. I have never read a book more detailed, with more instruction, with more information, with more how to and more how not to than this booklet. I read it when I need an answer to a question on painting, I take it with me on all of my outings and its at arms reach here in my studio."

Number of pages: 30