What does 'alla prima' denote in painting?

'Alla prima' refers to a painting technique where the artist completes a painting in a single session while the paint is still wet. This method requires quick execution and often emphasizes spontaneity and fluidity, allowing for a more direct expression of the artist's intention. The immediacy of working with wet paint often leads to a vibrant and dynamic finish, as blending and layering can occur during the same session without the need for drying time between layers.

This technique contrasts with methods that involve building up layers of paint over time or making multiple corrections to achieve the desired outcome, which would be characteristic of other approaches to painting. 'Alla prima' is often associated with impressionist painters and modern artists who value the immediacy and freshness that come from working in this manner.