The term “Pochade” – a French verb meaning “to sketch” comes from a form of painting popularized in the 19th century. They are generally small pieces of art work created in under an hour using mediums of either oil, conte, watercolour or pastel. They’re greatest use is in plein air, bathed in the moment of light and experience. Detailed painting doesn’t work here! This results in an astute three dimensional capture of mood, tone, line and color.
Seen here are quick oil sketches done with a palette knife or the wipe-out method on a white canvas. Color blocking is also another “alla prima” and fresh way to approach your subject, simply blocking in the main shapes in the color notes that you observe. Once they are blocked in, the details and coordinating values can be added.