Alla Prima Brushwork Demo & more – Ep.9 Oil Painting Q&A with Mark Carder

If you have a question for me, post it in the comments below. I'll answer as many as I can on next Thursday's episode. Here are links to each question answered in this video:

00:05 — demonstration showing a pear being painted from start to finish alla prima (wet-on-wet), with an emphasis on brushwork

19:19 — How many paintings should I bring with me when I talk to a gallery owner about a show?

20:17 — I live in a rural area with an art community. How do I find a mentor, or other artists who can give advice and critiques?

21:11 — Have you painted any self-portraits? Would you suggest using a mirror or a photo when painting a self-portrait?

22:43 — Do you have a video on how to paint from start to finish that covers the basics of painting?

23:49 — a quick note about the color checker questions I've been getting

[mikehubbard]

I like to kid around sometimes, but I wanted to compliment you on your ability to teach oil painting. I think outstanding is the right word. You are easy to follow, and understand. I think a lot of teachers tend to spout off what they know, rather than actually teach somebody something. You are a teacher-truly.

[sidekickkato]

I've tried and failed repeatedly with oils. This is the first time I've ever seen anyone do alla prima that made any sense whatsoever. I've got the urge to give it another go! Thank you!

[livelaughleave]

I just want to say that I really appreciate you being here on youtube. i've learned a lot from these episodes, and your other videos of course. Not easy to find someone as helpful as you online, thank you Mark!

[Zecaprades]

This is a comment from a Brazilian student. I'm watching your videos and learning a lot from your classes, I don't understand sometimes hahaha but your classes are great. I will work hard. Thanks!

[JackieInMn]

Your generous sharing of both your talent and your experience is so very much appreciated. You obviously are a very kind person. I intend to take advantage of all your informative lessons with much anticipation. You are a wonderfully talented artist. Many thanks.

[prestonowens]

A lot of what Mark says reminds me of my painting professor at College. He always told us that all painting is really an abstraction of what we see in reality. Thanks for the videos.

[kmontgomery]

Love all your educational videos showing us how to but I love this so much, watching your process is just lovely, your recent landscapes were so calming and enjoyable too I’ve watched them many times even though I don’t do landscapes. Please if you can consider doing more of these demo’s. I’ve not painted in a long time since I lost my baby boy but watching you paint brings back some joy in me. ❤

[NevardArt]

Mark I watch a lot of your stuff. its amazing and thank you for putting it all out there free. you cover everything.

[nrceng]

Thanks for your time and effort in doing these videos. Yours were the videos that gave me the confidence and basics to start painting a few years ago and now I am hooked. I re-watch (if that is a word) your videos from time to time and seem to learn a little something each time.

[adrianadelgado]

You are amazing, such a generous teacher! Thank you a lot! I'm learning a lot with you. Best regards from Portugal :)

[eyeshowyou]

You are by far the best teacher on youtube. Love it

[vickycurtin]

The time you put into these videos is so much appreciated. The pear demonstration answered my next question. Thanks again!

[jenifermazansky]

Your knowledge is invaluable, thank you so much for sharing your videos.

[billsrippedfitnessover]

great demonstration with the brush strokes and great advice on approaching galleries. Thanks.

[hansuha]

Your video has done tremendous meaning to me. Thanks for that Mr Carder . Best regards from Korea

[hideentity]

very nice demonstration. i really like your attitude and patience.

[airamona]

This tutorial is so soothing to watch and listen. I feel calm and sleepy. By the way, beautiful painting.

[AD-zyqw]

Mark, great tutorial! Alla prima is my preferred style and this tutorial was clear, educational and helpful. It helps me overcome my reluctancy to use oils.

[willyD]

Very good example of this technique. Appreciated.

[KaustavMukherjeeFineArt]

This was really a great learning. I actually placed my cell phone upon my canvas and started painting looking at the photo and your demonstration. I can now compare the three. Takes time to understand what I am looking at.