Beyond Alla Prima: How to Finish an Oil Painting

Working alla prima (wet into wet) is the freest way to paint. But how do you continue that spontaneous, fluid look after the paint dries? In this new course, students will have 4 sessions to complete 2 paintings from still life setups. Through demonstrations from the instructor, we will discuss how to properly work back into paintings that have dried to achieve a more polished look. We will explore the proper use of mediums and techniques that will make you want to pull out those unfinished paintings and finally bring them to completion.

About the instructor: 

Paul Abeleira is a graduate of Western’s Visual Arts program. He continues his own studies in still life and portraiture in workshops  in New York, Wisconsin and Arizona, and has instructed artists in many facets of visual arts. Paul has taught at TAP for over 10 years and has received positive responses from his students who characterize him as a sensitive coach with a broad range of skills and knowledge. He is committed to making the learning experience worthwhile.

Wednesday afternoons from 1pm-4pm

November 18, 25, December 2 and 9, 2026

Instructor: Paul Abeleira

Location: Good Foundation North Studio

$180 + materials

Maximum of 10 students

*Fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

*TAP Centre for Creativity reserves the right to cancel any course or workshop at any time if the minimum number of students required is not reached. In such cases, fees will be fully refunded.

MATERIALS

(NOTE: this list is only a guide; slight variations accepted)

• 2 – stretched canvases (or canvas boards/panels) no larger than 11 x 14 inches

  
  

• 2 – natural hog hair bristle flat or filbert brushes, #8

• 2 – natural hog hair bristle brushes, #4

• 2 – natural hog hair bristle brushes, #2

OIL COLOURS

• Titanium White

• Cadmium Yellow Medium

• Yellow Ochre

• Cadmium Red Light

• Alizarin Crimson

• Viridian or Thalo Green

• Ultramarine or Thalo Blue

• Burnt Sienna

• Raw Umber

• Ivory Black

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES

• Odorless thinner (Taltine, Gamsol, Turpenoid)

• Brush washer or jar with tight fitting lid (for holding odorless thinner) 

• Wooden Palette (for mixing colors); disposable paper palettes also accepted though not ideal

• Painting Knife (optional but handy)

• Paper Towels or rags (for clean-up)

NOTE – Best, most economical place to purchase art materials is Bijan’s Art Studio