Live Alla Prima Portrait Sessions
Capturing a likeness in a single sitting requires focus and speed. These alla prima portraits are painted live, usually over 3 to 5 hours, focusing entirely on the interplay of light and shadow on the face.
A close-up of my finished oil portrait of Satyam. This 9x12 inch piece was painted 'alla prima' in a single 4-5 hour session. I focused on capturing the strong shadows and his thoughtful expression.
The final setup from my live portrait session with Satyam. You can see the finished 9x12 inch oil on linen painting on the easel next to him. It's always a great feeling to see the work and the model side by side.
Here is Satyam with all the portraits created by our artist group during the live session. It's amazing to see so many different interpretations of the same person. Painting together is a great learning experience for me.
This shows the initial sketch and block-in for Satyam's portrait. I started by mapping out the main shapes and shadows in oil on a 9x12 linen canvas. At first, I also sketched the skull but decided to focus only on the portrait to finish on time.
The portrait of Satyam in progress. Here, I've started to build up the colors and values, focusing on the structure of his face. This stage is all about establishing the light and form.
Another view of the portrait of Satyam on the easel, with him posing in the background. This shows the painting midway through the session, as the forms and colors start to come together.
A close-up of my finished oil portrait of Mirra. This was painted over five and a half hours. Her lively presence and continuous smile made the session so enjoyable.
The beginning of my live session with Mirra. This is the initial drawing on the 9x12 inch oil on linen canvas, with Mirra posing in the background.
The underpainting stage for Mirra's portrait. I've established the basic shapes and dark tones before adding color. This is a crucial step in building a strong foundation for an oil portrait.
The finished portrait of Mirra, seen from a slight angle on the easel. This 9x12 inch oil on linen piece was a joy to create.
About The Art of the Portrait: Live Alla Prima Sessions
When I paint these live, I work with the wet-on-wet technique, meaning the entire portrait is completed in one session of 3 to 5 hours. This creates an energy and immediacy that is hard to capture in studio-based work, though it means I cannot go back and rework areas once the paint has dried.
Live portraiture is my way of slowing down time. By using the alla prima method, I rely on direct observation to capture the gesture and the character of the person in front of me before the oil paint sets.
My typical setup for these sessions involves professional Gamblin oil paints on a 9x12 inch primed linen canvas. Because the process is continuous, there is no room for overthinking or layering, which is why I love it. It is just me, the canvas, and the model.
I often collaborate with groups like Life Drawing Delhi to refine my approach to anatomy and structure. This environment allows me to learn from other artists and push my own limits when it comes to light and form. If you are looking to commission a live portrait, keep in mind that these sessions require a quiet space and a sitter who can hold a pose with periodic breaks. The result is a raw, textured, and honest painting that feels much more alive than something copied from a photograph.
Juhi Kumar
I am a Delhi-based artist who believes painting is about capturing small, honest moments. I live for the challenge of live portrait sessions, where I work with oils to catch a person's expression in real-time. Whether it is a solo session or painting with my artist group, I enjoy the raw, unfiltered energy of creating something entirely from life.
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