plate no. 4375

Stephen Herbert

Alice Neel, 1977

oilExpressionismportraitportraitfigurechairmanclothingbeard

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice portraiture with simplified forms and bold brushstrokes. Students can learn to capture likeness and expression using a limited palette and expressive mark-making.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on proportions and placement of the figure and chair.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: skin tones, clothing, background, and chair.
step 03
Refine the facial features, paying attention to the shapes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
step 04
Add details to the clothing, such as the pattern on the shirt and the texture of the pants.
step 05
Define the chair's structure and add shadows to create depth.
step 06
Adjust the background color and add any final details.
step 07
Review the painting for accuracy and make any necessary corrections.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form.

color palette

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

secondary · black · raw umber · light grey

Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt sienna. Create variations in the blue shirt by adding black or white. Use raw umber and white for the chair.

techniques