plate no. 5440

Mary Shoemaker

Alice Neel, 1965

oilExpressionismportraitportraitwomanhatcoatgloveschair

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice expressive brushwork and capturing likeness with simplified forms. Students can learn to mix skin tones and create depth through layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure, hat, and chair.
step 02
Block in the background with light washes of color.
step 03
Establish the main skin tones and facial features, focusing on capturing the likeness.
step 04
Paint the hat with bold strokes, capturing the orange hue and texture.
step 05
Add the coat, gloves, and other details, paying attention to the folds and shadows.
step 06
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed.
step 07
Add the details of the hat decoration.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · cadmium orange

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix skin tones by blending white, umber, and small amounts of red and yellow. Achieve the orange hat color by mixing cadmium orange with touches of red and yellow.

techniques