Robert, Helen and Ed by Alice Neel

plate no. 2018

Robert, Helen and Ed

Alice Neel, 1952

oilExpressionismportraitportraitchildrenfiguresclothingindoorfamily

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning about portraiture, capturing likeness, and simplifying forms. Students can practice mixing skin tones and creating a sense of depth with subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

3

brushwork visibility

4

value contrast

3

compositional simplicity

3

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and background.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Refine the skin tones, paying attention to subtle shifts in color and value.
step 04
Add details to the clothing and facial features, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Create the background with simple, flat colors and minimal detail.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine edges and details as needed.
step 08
Add final touches and signature.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix skin tones by blending yellow ochre, burnt umber, and a touch of red or blue. Use white to lighten the tones. Achieve the green dress by mixing blue and yellow.

techniques

·portraiture
·color mixing
·blocking in
·visible brushstrokes
·simplifying forms

common pitfalls

→Overworking details too early
→Getting proportions wrong
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing
→Ignoring the value structure

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil or acrylic medium

optional

·painting easel
·view finder
·rags

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints will dry faster, while oil paints allow for more blending time.

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