How To Begin An Oil Painting, Alla Prima + Color Mixing Basics (Zorn Palette)

This is Part 3 of How to Begin An Oil Painting, the Alla Prima Method.
Alla Prima, also known as direct painting or wet-on-wet, is a common and contemporary practice for oil painting. In this video, we will discuss its history and methodology as we set-up and run through the painting process in a demonstration from beginning to end.
I also discuss and demonstrate the basics of mixing oil colors and the set-up of two different options for color palettes all while using the Zorn palette. And finally, I run through how to use and create with the Zorn palette. My materials list and oil color palette are described below.
Please remember, everyone-- even a bad day painting is still a great day! Thanks for watching and enjoy!
This video is meant for all skill levels.
Here is the chapter list...
00:00 - Introduction
00:36 - History & Artists of the Alla Prima Method
03:42 - Oil Painting Materials
05:20 - Color Mixing Basics (Zorn Palette)
07:32 - Part 1: Underdrawing
10:26 - Mixing The Color Palette (2 Options)
13:31 - Part 2: Blocking-In
17:50 - Part 3: Rendering & Completion
22:25 - Academy Oversight (Hermes)
How To Begin An Oil Painting, my earlier entries..
Part 1 - Imprimatura, Underpainting Layer
• How To Begin An Oil Pa...
Part 2 - Grisaille, Monochromatic Underpainting Layer
• How To Begin An Oil Pa...
My videos discussing & demonstrating oil painting basics...
Oil Paint Brushes, Proper Care & Cleaning
• Artists' Essential Gui...
Building & Priming An Artist Canvas
• How To Make A CANVAS: ...
CONNECT WITH ME:
Instagram: / michael_john_nolan
Website: www.michaeljohnnolan.com
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www.michaeljohnnolan.com/store
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MATERIALS:
- Richeson Primed Hard Board Panel - 16" x 20"
- Weber Odorless Turpenoid
- M.Graham & Co. Walnut Oil
- Utrecht Manglon Synthetic Brushes
- Connoisseur White Hog Bristle Brushes
- Richeson Wooden Palette
- Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank
OIL COLORS:
- M.Graham & Co. Artist Oil Color Titanium White
- M.Graham & Co. Artist Oil Color Yellow Ochre
- Rembrandt Extra-Fine Artists' Oil - Vermilion
- Winsor & Newton Artists' Oil Colour Ivory Black
Music:
- "A Brand New Start" by Track Tribe
- "On The Rocks" by Track Tribe
- "Member's Only" by Track Tribe
- "Demilitarized Zone" by Ethan Meixsell
- "No.1 A Minor Waltz" by Esther Abrami

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thanks for watching! If you would like to see a more detailed explanation of the ZORN palette, click the link below for my video... "SECRETS of the Zorn Palette || The What, Why, When & HOW TO USE IT!" kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIOwm5eBZpl-ldE

[@ordinaryhand]

i've been taking intro painting for three months and this video helped me more than anything that's happened in class so far. i'm the only person who hadn't painted before, so we were just told the requirements for our projects -- no one's told me anything about how to choose which version of which colour paint, what order to do things in, what an underpainting is, nothing! not even how to clean a brush! in 23 minutes you have answered so many of my questions and i think i will feel less lost and confused in class this week than i was last week! thanks!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thanks for watching and for the comment! I am so glad you liked the video and that it helped you. Sorry to read about your intro to painting class. I do hope it gets better for you. Anyway, keep up your hard work and search for solutions. Happy painting!

[@meowbutscottish8122]

same! i love how engaging it is too. it helps me concentrate

[@Petronya]

how's your class now? are you having more fun?

[@chercurry]

I adore your style. Not just your artwork but also the way you film and edit your video's.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! Thank you so much! You are so kind. I am so glad you are enjoying the videos. Thank you for taking the time. Cheers!

[@le_bodo]

I'm a beginner and your video fills me with enthusiasm. Such high production value, great humour, and so much quality information without going into useless details. I'll check out your other videos. Thank you!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Wonderful! I am so glad you enjoyed the video and welcome. Thank you for the kind words and happy painting! Cheers!

[@lineuplinux]

I don't think I've found a channel that is as high quality and entertaining as yours in a WHILE. THANK YOU!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Wow, thanks you! I am humbled by your kind words. I am overjoyed you like the videos. Thanks again. Cheers!

[@ebrucengiz6404]

This is the best painting advice video i’ve ever seen both editing and content is really high quality. I hope your channel gets the attention it deserves as soon as possible

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Wow, thank you! I am so overjoyed you liked the video. You have made my day. Cheers!

[@whatsaroxy]

I taught myself how to oil paint some years ago and I work very intuitively, but I actually have no idea what I'm doing so I'm binging oil painting theory videos at the moment. So I can forget all rules again later, but at least know why I'm doing it. Thank you for making this video, it was one of the most entertaining I've seen so far! Also extra credit for the hand drawn texts and little fun details you edit, love it.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so glad you enjoyed the video. And you are so right on track, sounds like how a lot of artists start and continue their journey. I am so honored I was able to help. Happy painting and best of luck.

[@raerae6422]

Ive got about 12 million thoughts of what to say after watching/ experiencing your tutorial. Instead, im just gonna say "subscribed".

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! That is just nicest thing ever. :) Thank you so much for subscribing and maybe we can start to get through those 12 million thoughts. :) Thanks again!

[@fraker12]

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[@michaeljohnnolan]

Wow, thank you! You are very kind. I am so overjoyed you liked the video and that it helped in any way. Thank you again for your kindness. Appreciate you.

[@user-lh7yu9gc8r]

I can feel the sheer quality of this video through my bones!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Excellent! Thank you. I am so happy you enjoyed the video. Cheers!

[@robertjoseph3134]

This is gold

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Excellent! Thanks for watching. I am so glad you liked it. Cheers!

[@MrMalcovic]

Absolutely love this video!! Thank you 🙏

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! Thank you so much. I am overjoyed you liked the video. Cheers!

[@ANoteToSelf]

Your videos are so top tier! Thank you for this!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Glad you think so! I am so happy you enjoy them. I really appreciate your kindness! Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@yeppersyepyep]

So helpful! I love Skully. Thanks!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching! And yes, Skully is the true star of the show. Thanks again!

[@kidslearncentral]

Dude this was excellent, Great information and super entertaining !!! Thank you

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and leaving a super nice comment. By the way, cheers on your channel. Amazing work yourself!

[@shrug_shrugsly]

Really great work!!!! Thank you so much for sharing. This is so informative and helpful!!!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome!!!!! Thank you again. You are the best. Thank you for taking the time to leave such awesome comments. Again, I am so glad you liked the videos. Cheers!

[@bhartigupta_art]

The best video so far... Thank you so much for sharing ❤🙏

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Yay! Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for your kindness and for watching. Appreciate it! Cheers!

[@tanyainc]

I love that it is a painting of a sculpture 😻

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! I think deep down I am a sculptor at heart. :) Thanks for watching. By the way, your artwork and channel are great! Cheers!

[@yenhoff22]

I loved! Thanks!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

I am so glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you! Cheers!

[@comunidadbitcoin2050]

Awesome. Keep em coming

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thanks! Will do! Hope to get out another 2 videos this month. Thanks for watching!

[@3peopleinaroom50]

Love these videos so much! Thank you for the inspiration and the breakdown of the, for me, frustrating and hard-to-understand process. I appreciate your sense of humour and the laid back approach to your videos! I am looking forward to more.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

I'm so glad! Excellent! Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. I appreciate your super kind words. I am humbled. I will do my best to put out more consistent videos. Good luck with the picture making and please let me know how I can help. Cheers!

[@gg--kr5fh]

Great video as always and love the painting! 12:45 is very helpful

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you very much! So glad the palette setup helped. It is so easy to get lost mixing colors. Thanks again!

[@plausibledeniability2941]

Really great video, so many useful insights into this method, outstanding!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Wonderful! Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and thank you for the kind comment. Cheers and happy painting!

[@Ran_G]

you made me so happy

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome!!!! 😀 I am so glad you liked the video. Thank you for watching and taking the time to leave a note. Cheers!

[@raphaelna1]

Beautiful painting! Great explanations. I completely agree with you... alla prima is the most honest way of painting.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed the video. I appreciate you taking the time to leave such a kind note. Cheers!

[@patriciaotis1113]

This is the best tutorial ever!!! I agree with other comments...your voice is soothing yet commanding in a pleasant way. With my ADHD my mind drifts easily but I hung on your every word. You are so concise explaining everything so clearly and yet not treating the audience like numbskulls. You don't assume we know things and inform of everything!!! I also absolutely love the humor thrown in keeping the video from becoming dry! You have a new fan and follower! Thank you for this video❤ Most sincerely PattyO

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Hello Patty! Thank you so much for your kindness. You have made my day. Wow! I am so overjoyed you liked the video and found it so helpful. Truthfully, I make my videos to how I would liked to be talked to and instructed. So you and I are cut from the same cloth. :) Again, I am so glad my videos are resonating with you. Thank you for the follow. And thank you again for your time to write this lovely note. Cheers!

[@everettehungerford2858]

You are the youtube painter I've been looking for! Great video, thank you!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Wow, thank you! I am so overjoyed you liked the video. Thank you for taking the time to watch and to leave such a kind note. Cheers!

[@sweetjpp]

best tutorials out there, thank you, you need more recognition !

[@michaeljohnnolan]

I really appreciate that! Thank you so much for your kindness. I am so glad you enjoy them. Cheers!

[@leoalvarado6466]

Nice, n you explained everything with time to think n reason with what you were painting ! Thank you😊

[@michaeljohnnolan]

I am so glad you found it helpful. Thank you for your kind comment and thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@yd3941]

Breathtaking production and great content. Bravo!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Wonderful! Thank you so much. I am overjoyed you liked the video. Thank you again for the watch and for your kindness. Cheers!

[@Nachiito27]

i learned some new things ! thank you 😃😃

[@michaeljohnnolan]

I'm so glad! Thank for watching and leaving a very kind comment. Cheers!

[@SAMZIRRA]

Seriously, this is such an amazing lesson. New and old artists, like me, need to see this gem.💎

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Wow! Thank you for such an awesome comment! I really appreciate it. I am so glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you again for taking the time. Cheers!

[@kirstenelizabethart]

I love your channel 🥹🥹🥹 thank you so much

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awe... THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I am so glad you enjoy the videos. I really appreciate it. Cheers!

[@eldariontelkontar]

Thank you, it was very informative and engaging, a good balance between education and entertainment :)

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you! I am so happy you enjoyed the video and found it helpful. Thanks for watching and for leaving such a kind comment. Cheers!

[@autumnrain1892]

I just found your channel. First - I freaking love you. Second - these videos are priceless! 😂 I will be using these frequently for reference. I'm new. The way you explain things is so clear. I appreciate how much time it takes to make a video this fun and informative. I wish you could do this full time and be paid what you deserve. You are a BRILLIANT teacher! Thank you for helping your fellow artists. ❤❤

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Welcome!! Thank you so much! Your comment is very humbling. Thank you! I am thrilled you enjoying the content. So far this has been part time, but I will be committing more time to making videos. This has been a super fun and a creative experience. Thank you again. Seriously, your comment made my day. Cheers!

[@anns.2621]

wonderful!!!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@callmedeno]

The most masterful introduction to oil painting I've ever seen online.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Wow, thank you. That made my day. I am so glad you liked the video and that it helped. I really appreciate the comment and thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@anjisawney2310]

thank you so much for this :)

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! I am so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching and for your kindness. Cheers!

[@ruthhelena2420]

So glad youtube recommended me this channel

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Wow, me too. Thank you for the love. I am so happy you enjoyed the video. Cheers!

[@lizestefaniayenquequispe2235]

This is the first video of yours I watch and I completely fell in love with everything!! Your teaching method, your insights, Hermes and Skully... I'm so glad I discovered your channel!! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge 😁👍💖

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed the video. I deeply appreciate your super kinds words and for taking the time to leave a comment. Thank you so much. Cheers!

[@Tsunamimiko]

DUDE! This video was awesome! Thank you so much for this. I've been painting with gouache for a while now and I've been wanting to start oil painting. This made everything so much easier to understand and it was fun as well.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Excellent! I am so happy the video helped and that you enjoyed it. Gouache is an awesome media, but I am thrilled you are going to start oil painting. What kind of subjects are you going to start painting in oil? Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@yaromcohen]

Absolutely amazing, as always! Congratulations on reaching 1k! You're truly on your way to greatness. I have no doubt that one day you'll achieve fame, and you absolutely deserve it. Thank you for generously sharing your knowledge with us. Sending love all the way from Israel!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Wow! Thank you so so much! Your words are so kind and truly humbling. I am so happy you enjoyed the new video. Finally, I am getting the hang of all this video editing... took me long enough. :) Seriously, thank you for taking the time. You are the best! Cheers from the Arizona desert.

[@naomipark2333]

Thank you Michael for sharing your gifts and talents with us, the world! Im just so lucky to have taken one of your courses!! We must all protect Michael he's such a precious one 💎 🤗

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you, Naomi. Your words mean so much to me. You truly are an angel on Earth. I am so honored you liked the video. And I am the lucky one to have worked with you.

[@naomipark2333]

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[@michaeljohnnolan]

@@naomipark2333 Sorry... you know it's true. You can't fight it! 😄

[@naomipark2333]

@@michaeljohnnolan hahahaha ok Michael well you taught me how to *see* things finally so ok thank you so much I accept this ❣️

[@French-Star]

this comment thread is so wholesome

[@JermLikes2Draw]

First every video I’ve seen from this channel. INCREDIBLE EDITING😍😍

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you so much 😀!!!!! I am so glad you enjoyed the video. Editing the videos has been a lot of unexpected fun. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Cheers!

[@shahzadqurashi7728]

Beautiful

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you! You are very kind. Glad you liked the video. Cheers!

[@qpqp2339]

I had this on my watch later and meant to have this in on in the background ..... nope, a vid this funny and creative and informative deserves all my attention! You explain things wonderfully and your sense of humour helps a lot :) definitely subscribing now!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! So glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for the kind words. You made my morning for sure. Thanks again. Cheers!

[@plakjeham118]

Whyyy is this so underrated??? Amazing video. By far one of the best out there. Thank you, master Michael!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Wow, thank you! I really appreciate your kindness. I am so glad you liked the video! I am humbled. Cheers and happy painting. :)

[@shreyasfineart]

Beautiful ❤

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you! 😊 I am so glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers!

[@dorinases]

How wonderful I want to learn too :)

[@michaeljohnnolan]

You can do it! Thanks for watching and your kindness. Best of luck. Cheers!

[@jenalemil]

My favorite reference video when painting, that being said….Please make more videos using the Zorn palette. 😅. Sincerely, an artist struggling with zorn palette 😅

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Jen!!!!!! Your wish is my command. I have a few more lined up. I will be starting to crank out videos again in just another week or so. Thanks for your support! Always good to hear from you.

[@jenalemil]

@@michaeljohnnolan (happy cry) 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 hope you are still teaching! May need a refresher from the best!

[@dmitriynalegaca]

Loved the video! I'm beggining in this world of oil paint, and this video was really helpful! Also, quite reminded me of Marco Bucci's videos, your editing is high quality!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! Thank you! That is a huge compliment. I am so glad you liked the video and that you found it helpful. Good luck with your paintings. Thanks again. Cheers!

[@ruthhelena2420]

Thank you so much!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Glad it helped! Thank you for watching and commenting. Take care and happy painting!

[@jg6734]

😊 Nice video thank you

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Well thank you. That is so nice of you! Cheers and happy painting!

[@cmcasadoiro]

This is brilliant. Suscribed!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! Thank you for your kindness. I am so glad you liked it. Cheers!

[@SafariInTime]

Oh so professional yet friendly 🤌 super informative. I'll try to like the Zorn palette a little more...

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Hello Safari! Thanks for watching. Glad you liked the video. Speaking of, the videos are slowly getting better. :) Anyway, the Zorn is a helpful palette when you have a super limited dominant warmer color scheme with no intense cooler hues. It is an acquired taste for sure. Honestly, I hated it at first.

[@SafariInTime]

@michaeljohnnolan It opened my eyes for you to explain black as a blue-hue which makes the Zorn palette make way more sense to me! Snap judgments can ruin nice things... Your video-creation skills are fantastic and it really shows how much work you put into this content! Imma put this on my "watch again later" for when I'm at war with oils. Thank you! 🤠

[@michaeljohnnolan]

@@SafariInTime Awesome! Thank you. I really do appreciate your comments.

[@rnr2304]

Wow...Your way of teaching is awesome!! I am blessed with these conversations in my head as well. Lololol Aren't we fortunate folks love us?! Anyway. You are the most relatable classically trained I've met except my former studio mate in Cinti, John Volke. Anyway, I am not classically trained. I call myself a paint slinger lol I only tuned in to learn about Zorn pallet. But now I want to try to paint something this way. Lol Ty. Ill let you know how it goes :)

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you! I am so glad you liked the video. Made my day. Haha. And we are so fortunate! :) I really appreciate your kind words. A paint slinger... I really like that! Please do let me know how the painting goes. Good luck and happy painting!

[@matthewalexander2436]

As an artist, the first moment I smelt linseed oil I absolutely loved it. Still do... ❤

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Trust me... I understand. It's almost a religious experience. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

Michael, thanks so much for this video. I need to watch it again and take notes and practice. I had too many distractions going on. Alla Prima feels intimidating but not impossible. I have watched other videos with the Zorn palette but I haven’t practiced with it. I truly appreciate all the detailed information and demo. This will be my challenge. I need to go back and watch video 1 & 2. Blessings and take care.❤

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for letting me know. Honestly, Alla Prima painting is rather tough because it goes so fast and everything happens seemingly at once. That's why I tried to separate it into three parts. Please let me know if I can help. Thank you again! Cheers!

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

@@michaeljohnnolan thanks for the reply Michael. I agree with you about everything happening at the same time, which makes it frustrating at times. I believe my frustration comes from learning first the indirect painting, then when I try Alla Prima I feel something is missing. Anyways, I will practice and see how far I get. I also need to mention that time is crucial. If I want to finish in one sitting, I need to begin early in the day and when things happened unexpectedly, I can’t finish it. You are an amazing instructor. Take care and thanks again.

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

Hi Michael, I did try to start an alla prima portrait. Unfortunately, as I kept going I saw the need to refine it more and more so, it turned out into another layered painting. 😢 I will continue practicing!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

@@crisalidathomassie1811 Amazing! Thanks for letting me know. I hope the technique helped. And not unfortunately, that is an awesome thing. Anything that helps us see what is truly there and what we want to create is what we need. Thus, any combination of any technique is more or less how our individual process is crafted. Always great to hear from you. As you know, the more you do something the more comfortable and confident we get. It took hundreds of paintings before I got okay at all prima painting. Cheers to you!

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

@@michaeljohnnolan thanks so much for your words of encouragement, they mean a lot to me. I will continue with the practice. I’m also experimenting with color mixing trying to understand the outcome. Have a great week.

[@napakelmo]

This is a treasure. Thank you for sharing sir. Subscirbed. More subs to come sir.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! Thank you for the super kind words and for the subscription. I am so glad you enjoyed the video. I appreciate your support. Cheers!

[@MatheusMartins-sl5kf]

Great video! Thanks for the help! I have a question, do you use the solvent + linen oil in all steps of the paint, or just for cover the first layer of paint? Again, thank you!

[@shroukmonir9437]

Awsome

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome back! Thank you kindly. Thanks for watching.

[@fiercekrypton]

Lol why is this so good?!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

I don't know! Why!? Haha. Thanks for watching and thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@wilfriedw7540]

Thx!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you!

[@christopherjames3451]

I love the production lol ie creepy but lovable Hermes voice

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Nice! Hermes is super creepy. Thank you for the kind words and thank you for taking the time. I so am glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers!

[@SAMZIRRA]

Shockingly good video. Really clean and concise, easy to understand, and extremely thoughtfully made. Love this!❤

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awesome! Thank you! The video did take forever to film and edit. Thank you again for your super kind and warm comments. They meant a lot. Happy painting!

[@SlickOils]

I paint ala prima, nice channel! 👍🏻

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you for the kind words and for watching. Checked out your channel, nice painting of Doc. Cheers!

[@SlickOils]

@@michaeljohnnolan thank you, I’m just starting out on my channel, I’ll be posting a new painting from a famous piece of entertainment on a regular basis. Happy new year to you 👍🏻

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Excellent! Cool concept. I look forward to it. Best of luck!@@SlickOils

[@SlickOils]

@@michaeljohnnolan Thanks man, I really appreciate it.

[@banandababa]

I absolutely loved this! You are a great teacher and it was entertaining too! Just wondering though, aren’t you worried about the toxicity of the turpentine? That’s the only thing stopping me getting back into painting

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Awe... thank you! That is so very kind of you. I feel like I am still learning so much every time I put a brush on canvas. And yes, I am trying to remove solvents from my practice completely. Currently, I have been using more walnut oil to clean my brushes during a painting session. Did you switch to another medium like acrylics or watercolors?

[@sarangchristinekim6392]

Do you have recommendations for Impressionist books/artists ? I love your videos,thank you

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you so much! I am overjoyed you like the videos. In regards to Impressionist artists... I thoroughly enjoy the work of Mary Cassatt, Joaquin Sorolla, John Singer Sargent, Anders Zorn, Nicolai Fechin, Valentin Serov, Ilya Repin, James Whistler, Childe Hassam, Édouard Manet, and Berthe Morisot. I know I am leaving out some tremendous artists, but that is who I thought of initially. In terms of books, you can't go wrong with anything from the publishers of Dover, Taschen, SkiraRizzoli, and Parkstone. I hope this helps. Thanks again for watching. Cheers!

[@prereflective]

Where did you buy that statue bust? Thanks for the tips :)

[@michaeljohnnolan]

To be honest, I've had it for a while and now I can't remember. If I think of it I will reply back. Sorry. Anyway, thank you for the kind words and thanks for watching.

[@safegourd]

2:38 👹👹 OH HELLO MICHAEL 👹👹 took me out lmfaoo

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Nice!!! Appreciate it! Thanks for letting me know. Cheers!

[@CALICOJACK69]

You had me at evil Hermes

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Nice! Appreciate the kindness. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@oybrj]

Really cool video, and an amazing painting. I wonder how you use the solvent and oil. Do you add pure solvent to underpainting (to let the paint dry fast) or do you also add oil? And what about the layers on top - only oil? Sorry for the questions, but it seems a but complicated to know when to use what 😊

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Wow! Thanks! I appreciate your kind words. I use a mix of oil & solvent when first starting on the base layer. You said it very clearly, the more solvent, the faster it dries. When I am painting the final layers, I only use straight paint and clean my brush with oil, no solvent. Personally, I like that chunky-thick paint at the end. I hope that helps. Thanks again.

[@oybrj]

Thanks for the explanation Michael. Very appreciated.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

@@oybrj Thank you!

[@markwild8487]

I didn't see where any of the several oils were used. Is this a secret sauce that I missed ?? Thank you.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thanks for watching! I used a little of M.Graham Walnut oil in mixture with my odorless mineral spirits solvent to create the initial stain wash during the beginning of the demo. But other than that, I just painted with pure paint after that. I hope that answers your comment. Cheers!

[@user-jk1tg5km7g]

Knowledge advances by steps and not by leaps

[@lisavento7474]

i've learned that with clove oil and safflower oil i can coat my brush and KEEP THEM COVERED with oil after wiping paint off so they KEEP FINE on a wrack if i'm painting within 2 weeks and just keep some brushes for lights and some for darks and so i do NOT HAVE TO CLEAN UP EVERY DAY, which is a pain and abuses my brush.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Very cool! Thanks for the info and sharing. Sounds like a great system. Thanks again for commenting. Appreciate you! :)

[@lisavento7474]

@@michaeljohnnolan it's HELLA COOL to not have to clean up each time. I learned it from a fine artist here whose work is exemplary and I doubt great masters cleaned every day...so i tried it and surprisingly easy, even after a week of not painting. I don't know if FREEZING them like you do with oil based housepaints works but this is easy peasy and i only use a few brushes at a time anyway.

[@polly1141]

This is exactly what I do but I use walnut oil. So much easier

[@pytel207]

I'm using the Liquin original by Winsor&Newton but I can't lighten the black for the underpainting, any advices?

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Hello Pytel! Thanks for the question and thanks for watching. If you are using black for the stain drawing layer, you will want to use a little solvent and/or more Liquin to thin out the black to allow more of the white of the canvas to sneak through lightening the black. Or you can always add a little titanium or zinc white to lighten the black. Either way, I recommend just not to apply it too heavy so that it is easily painted over or mixed into the final rendering. I hope that helps. Cheers and happy painting!

[@pytel207]

@@michaeljohnnolan thanks

[@esauzelaya9285]

So meny books wow !

[@vegasastras9194]

is it possible to use the dried out paint on a palette for next paintings?

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Very interesting question... the quick answer is not really. Most art decisions are based in personal preference and chemistry. For example a buddy of mine from graduate school left his paints in the sun to dry out for a few hours before painting with them. He liked more body in his paints. As long as the paint has some "moisture" to it, it should stick to your canvas... but the question is, for how long? The more fresh the paint is the better the bond, adhesion, and proper film it will create. The drier the paint, I would think the weaker the bond and adhesion. Completely dried paint, unless placed inside wet paint, would have to be discarded because it would not stick. Thanks for watching! Appreciate your time.

[@vegasastras9194]

@@michaeljohnnolan amazing answer. thanks! I just thought about a crazy idea to thin out paint or even kick some hardened paint to life with... vodka. It's spirit based right? and then mix that paint with some oil.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

@@vegasastras9194 Awesome! Sounds like fun. Alcohol is a powerful solvent. If it works, then do it. The chemistry of materials should be focused on, BUT it will always come down to making great artwork. If you make something that is great, someone down the line will figure out how to save it. All things have a lifespan no matter how careful we are. I say, give it a go. Sounds cool! Thanks for the conversation. Best of luck with your art! Cheers!

[@laurel_ashes_art]

Well Hermes took this in a direction I did not expect.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

He has a tendency to do that. 😀 Thanks for watching!

[@kennethaquino8352]

Hello sir do Fat Over Lean matters to Alla Prima?

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Hello Kenneth! Great question. “Fat over lean” allows the artist to construct a painting through multiple layers so that there will be less cracking over time and the painting will be more flexible. So, in regards to a layered painting that dries over time, the answer is no because alla prima typically is done in one wet-on-wet layer. Sadly, in part this is why so many impressionist's paintings are cracking so soon. However, there are many artists that create multiple layers of the alla prima method on top of one another. So if you are wanting to create multiple layers of alla prima on top of one another, then yes, you should have your foundation layers thinner than your final layers. Also, it is just a good foundational rule in oil painting to keep your initial painting drawing and block-in thinner than your final marks and rendering. This helps ensure that the artist is not fighting muddy colors and values by over mixing the final marks and rendering with the initial heavy setup. Basically, I try to keep all of my initial painting thinner until I know what I am doing so that I do not have to fight it later on. This makes painting a bit more effective and pleasurable. Pardon the longer answer. I hope this helps. Thanks for the comment / question. Happy painting!

[@kennethaquino8352]

@@michaeljohnnolan hello sir its ok thank you for your explanaton i understand,so it is possible to paint realistically on alla prima method on single layers❤

[@sururewale]

😮😮

[@michaeljohnnolan]

❤️

[@kenichiishirahama215]

The intro is so cire

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you so much! I am so glad you liked it. Editing these videos has been a lot of unexpected fun. Thank you again for the sweet comments. I appreciate you taking the time. Cheers!

[@master.y8129]

흥미롭네 이친구 ㅋ

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you!

[@mg-isaiahkim]

could you tell me brush drand name or where i can buy this video brush??

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thanks for watching. I use several brushes in this video. Were you referring to one in particular? My favorites from this video were from Utrecht, Manglon Synthetic Brushes. Below is the link. www.utrechtart.com/products/utrecht-manglon-synthetic-brushes/

[@mg-isaiahkim]

@@michaeljohnnolan thank you for your kind inform~

[@michaeljohnangel6359]

An excellent demo, but, if it were true that Sargent, et al, painted in a single sitting, how come they had many appointments with the models? The truth is that the alla prima method used several layers, each one being scraped back at the end of the sitting and used as a base for the next "alla prima" attempt.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thanks for the kind words and for the insight. You are so right. Many artists have used and many artists continue to use multiple layers of alla prima attempts to make a beautiful surface. Take care.

[@platiniathens8066]

I would suggest to use a copy from original statue not a bad copy of it.

[@Gens002]

peak tutorial

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Very cool! I am so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@PatriceBoivin]

Every painting starts with a prep coat, I would guess. That would be the beginning.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thanks for the comment/question. By prep coat do you mean an underpainting, or drawing or stain wash?

[@hugheymorrow]

I hope you find "acceptance" with thinner layers hahah

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Haha! One day... maybe one day... Thanks for watching!

[@trixonic6934]

You’re pretty sloppy still with your lines and your writing but you got me started down this path and would love to help develop or collaborate on a project

[@Abuullah1]

لديك فؤاد ذكي

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you! You are very kind. Thanks for watching.

[@davirosa]

3:37 this pose is entitled what?

[@davirosa]

Morning Mist - I saw it after - That´s just what I understood - but it makes no sense to me - sorry - I´m Brazilian!

[@davirosa]

By the way - I´m a photographer - and there is a seamless background paper that has a color named "morning mist" and it´s exactly that pale yellowish bright color - off white.

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Thank you for your comments. Morning Mist was a reference to a joke from the TV show Seinfeld. Thanks again.

[@davirosa]

@@michaeljohnnolan I Thank you, in this tutorial you kindly shared a Lot of usefull information. BTW is a beautifull painting of the Morning Mist Guy!

[@michaeljohnnolan]

@@davirosa Excellent! Thank you for watching and for the super kind note. Cheers!

[@user-cr5sn4eq2n]

Very useful video but are you trying to terrify your viewers by skeletons and skul? Is this really fascinating idea for you, pardon my candid concern 😁😱

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Glad you found the content helpful. Skulls and skeletons are a very traditional part of the fine art academic experience. So I wanted to make them accessible, fun, and nonthreatening. Guess that didn't work with you. 😀 Thanks for watching!

[@cxa24]

The answer is no exactly as it was in '97 or whenever

[@Cariad247]

Would have enjoyed it more without the creepy commentary.

[@chubshansen3873]

My name is Michael and I about shit with panic and fear when he said “oh hello Michael”.

[@user-th3sh9de7w]

Серьёзно нарушена геометрия лица и разноглазый какой-то получился....

[@joegee1000]

Don't have the patience to sit through all of the cheesy video over production segments ....I'll bet if you eliminate the "entertainment" effects you'll get more subscribers....bye bye

[@michaeljohnnolan]

Appreciate the input. Thanks for watching. :)