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Margaret Chwialkowska
Solo Exhibition: Nature in alla prima
Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre
300 des Peres-Blancs Avenue, Ottawa, ON, Tel. 613-580-2424 ext. 36059
Opening Reception: Sunday, January 17, 1.00 – 3.00 p.m.
Exhibition Dates: December 30 to February 28 , 2010
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Alla prima is a style of painting, also known as “direct painting” or “wet on wet” oil painting. It is an Italian term which means “at first”. Using this technique, instead of building colours up with layers, the entire painting must be completed before the layers of paint dry up.
The alla prima technique was pioneered by Flemish painter Frans Hals (c.1582-1666). Earlier, most oil painters used under-paintings for a consistent look. The Impressionists made an extensive use of this technique and they are responsible for much of its present popularity among many modern painters.
I paint alla prima by blending pigments with a palette knife directly on the canvas. The painted textures evolve naturally, and their richness and tactile quality add an additional dimension to the painted subjects.
Alla prima is for me the most intuitive way to paint. It allows me to imbue my paintings with fresh and spontaneous feelings that nature evokes in me as I paint.
With the goal of preserving the fragile health of the Ottawa River, a portion of the proceeds from on-site sales will be donated to the Ottawa Riverkeeper, an organization which brings people together to protect and promote the ecological health and diversity of the Ottawa River.
For more info, please contact:
Margaret Chwialkowska
www.artistsincanada.com/margaret
Tel: 613-729-9351
Email: mchwialkowska@rogers.com