Alla Prima: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Direct Painting Hardcover – January 6, 2009

I bought this book as a Christmas gift for one of my favorite art students. I felt it would be the most helpful for her at her stage of knowledge in order for her to progress. I have literally given away libraries full of art books and this one will remain on my shelf in order to teach and inspire growth in budding artist who have the desire to learn the important basics. This book is not one method but just about covers every method of starting a piece and having a clear idea of finishing it as well. It would be helpful for serious beginners and a good refresher for long time artist.

"Alla Prima: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Direct Painting" is very readable. Particularly valuable is the author's understanding of the history of painting techniques. He shows how advances in portability of materials and photography have influenced artists' decision-making process throughout the long history of painting. Regarding specific painting techniques, the author gives fine examples of his and others' paintings that show different principles and methods in action. There is a lot covered in this volume by one who has clearly spent a lot of his life painting. Well done and inspiring.

It's hard to find good books on Alla Prima painting, but this is one. If I'd found it several years ago, it could have saved me considerable trial and error, but I still found much to interest me here. Gury covers several styles (direct, indirect, color and tone blocking, wipe out), and subject matter (portraits, figures, still life, landscapes), providing a good mix of basics and advanced techniques.

Setting the stage with a valuable historical perspective, this book covers not just the "basics", but also provides a great section on techniques in genres such as portraiture, still life and landscape. The examples given enhance the text, which is concise, informative and highly professional. The demonstrations are very useful and fun. I am glad to have purchased one more of Al Gury's books because he pays much attention to detail and is a superb teacher; truly a book to learn from. Great Buy!

Alla Prima ( also an art term for direct "all-at-one-time' painting in oil or acrylic) is very beautifully illustrated and the author has a firm grip on the technique. It is a book that will appeal to more experienced painters and those with ability. A beginner would be at a disadvantage unless they would have some basics skills.

This book is written by a teacher at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He represents a strong tradition traced back to before Eakins, Daniel Garber, Lou Sloan and Mr. DeCosta. Reading this book has gotten me back on track with my painting career. Contains chapters on everything from the beginning of direct painting on through the colors you use, mediums, brushes, etc. Contains many fabulous illustrations by different arts. A must have book for the serious painter.

Great book with practical tips and examples. I found it a good overview with concrete approaches for direct painting. I came away with what I already knew that practice is key to improvement and finding a method that works for you. I appreciated all the examples and the other suggested reading at the end of the book. I see myself using this as a reference frequently. It was clear to understand and follow.

I bought this book thinking it would be for more advanced painters. I found it to be a basic how to book for beginners. I will donate the book to the library.