Which painting style benefits from applying paint in a single sitting without layering?

The painting style that benefits from applying paint in a single sitting without layering is known as "A la prima." This technique involves painting directly onto the canvas without waiting for earlier layers to dry. It allows artists to capture the spontaneity and immediacy of their impressions, as the paint is applied wet on wet. This method is often associated with impressionists and is valued for its ability to generate a sense of freshness and vibrancy in the work. A la prima painting often emphasizes quick and expressive brush strokes, making it distinct from techniques that involve layering or waiting for paint to dry before additional applications.

The other styles mentioned, such as glazing, sgraffito, and impasto, do not align with the characteristic of single-session application. Glazing involves layering transparent washes of paint, sgraffito is a technique where the top layer of paint is scratched away to reveal the underlayer, and impasto refers to applying paint thickly to create texture, often requiring multiple applications and drying time to achieve the desired effect.