Alex Kelly paints mostly in the alla prima approach, working wet in wet and directly from life. He values the immediacy of real experience, letting light guide each decision on the canvas. His inspiration comes from anything that carries beauty, whether quiet, intriguing or simply worth studying more deeply.
He believes technique should grow endlessly, shaped by understanding rather than showmanship. Even small misstakes in fresh paint add warmth and honesty to his work.
A fact about alla prima history: The method became widely recognized in the seventeenth century when artists like Frans Hals used rapid, confident strokes to capture living presence in a single session.
His paintings echo that tradition, celebrating direct observation and the energy of the moment.
First comes the initial idea for a work… to bring into concrete manifestation.
Light moves across fresh colour, soft edges breathing in real time. Oil carries the moment’s truth, held gently in a single climb.
Q: Why is alla prima considered demanding? A: Because it requires confident decisions, quick observation and skilled handling of wet paint in one session.
Q: How does wet in wet painting affect texture? A: It blends edges naturally, creating soft transitions while still allowing bold strokes to stand out.
Q: What role does light play in direct painting? A: It shapes form instantly, guiding the painter’s choices and giving the work its living atmosphere.
