plate no. 3424

Dominican Boys on 108th Street

Alice Neel, 1955

oil, canvasExpressionismportraitfiguresbuildingsstreetportraitboys

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and conveying emotion through facial expressions and body language. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes and using expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and buildings on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall tones and values.
step 03
Refine the shapes and details of the figures, paying attention to the facial features and clothing.
step 04
Add details to the background buildings and street scene.
step 05
Develop the shadows and highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Use expressive brushstrokes to add texture and visual interest.
step 07
Adjust colors and values as needed to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light · viridian

secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining raw umber, titanium white, and small amounts of other colors. Create skin tones by mixing cadmium red light, yellow ochre, and white, adjusting the proportions to achieve the desired hue.

techniques