Good Question, thanks for asking.
It is a pretty fancy french word that I use to sound smarter than I am. I believe it literally means, "With Open Air" or something like that. It is a phrase that is used to describe a method of painting on location, Alla Prima as it where. It is fun and nerve wracking and often full of surprises like the time a seagull scored a direct hit on a painting as he flew over head. Impressive. At any rate these small studies, (usually 8x10 or 9x12) might make it into frames to sell at Art Walk or to you... yes, i am talking to you. Or I will put them into sleeves to sell out of the trunk of my car like a drug dealer peddling his wears. Prices vary on size and if I like the painting. Usually priced between $80 and $300 ... wow such a deal. You should get two of them before they all sell out. Thanks.
email me with questions or comments at norm.here@mac.com