[Chris Saper]

Alla prima (also sometimes called au premier coup) means painting in one session, wet-into-wet paint. Sometimes people call this "direct" painting. Mainly it is differentiated from glaze painting by the application of paint in the beginning, that is the way the piece will look at the end. Opaque paints are used through much of the work (light passages, especially) compared to the use of many layers of transparent color used in glaze painting.

I think it is a good idea to start out with a limited palette. Add colors only when and if you find them necessary. That is not to say, "Don't experiment"... you need to feel free to do this, too; I just think it's easier not to change all your variables at once.

Good luck!