Oil painting -> List of Painters -> Alice Neel
EARLY DAYS:
Alice Neel (January 28, 1900 – October 13, 1984) was a U.S. portrait painter.
Alice Neel was an American painter who played a major role in the development of figurative painting in the 20th century. She is best known for her portraits of family, friends, and celebrities, often in unconventional poses and with a focus on psychological insight. Neel was born in 1900 in Merion Square, Pennsylvania and raised in a strict Quaker family. She studied at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and later traveled to Europe.
Neel's early career was marked by a series of setbacks, including the death of her first husband and the Great Depression. Despite these hardships, Neel continued to paint, using her family and friends as her primary subjects. Her work of this period was characterized by a muted palette and a focus on the psychology of her characters. Neel often painted her subjects in a state of undress, which allowed her to emphasize their vulnerability and the inner conflict she saw in them.
One of Neel's most iconic works from the 1930s is her painting of her son, Richard Neel. It shows him in a vulnerable state, standing nude in the middle of a room, his body a mass of soft curves and his eyes downcast. The painting conveys a sense of vulnerability and sadness, and has become a symbol of Neel's commitment to psychological realism.
In the 1940s, Neel began to explore more abstracted forms. One of her most famous works from this period is her painting of her friend, the artist Margo Hoff. In this painting, Hoff is depicted in an abstracted, distorted form that conveys a sense of both strength and vulnerability. In another painting of this period, Neel depicted a woman's head in a bold and abstracted form, emphasizing her inner strength and resilience.
In the 1950s, Neel began to explore more political subject matter. Her painting of the Spanish Civil War, which she painted in response to news reports of the conflict, was a powerful statement about the horrors of war and the price of freedom. Neel also painted portraits of African-American activists, including civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer, as a way of honoring their struggle for justice and equality.
Throughout her career, Neel's work was characterized by a sense of psychological realism and a commitment to capturing her subjects' inner lives. Her paintings often show a deep understanding of the complexities of the human condition, and her work has been influential to many contemporary artists. Neel's paintings continue to inspire, and her legacy can be seen in the work of many of those who followed her.
Personal Details:
CAREER:
Neel's career began in the 1920s, when she moved to New York City and became a part of the bohemian scene. She quickly developed a passion for painting and began to create portraits of the people she encountered, capturing their unique personalities and the emotions of the moment. Her work was admired by many, but it was not until the 1940s that she began to gain recognition.
In the 1940s, Neel began to exhibit her work in galleries, and her reputation as a portrait painter began to grow. She was also featured in Life magazine, and her work was praised by critics.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Neel continued to create portraits of a wide variety of people, including celebrities, politicians, and ordinary citizens. She was particularly known for her paintings of pregnant women, which often featured a deep psychological element.
In the 1970s, Neel's work began to receive more attention, and she was invited to exhibit in many prestigious galleries and museums. During this time, she also received a number of awards, including the National Medal of Arts from President Jimmy Carter in 1978.
Neel's career continued to flourish until her death in 1984. Her influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary artists, and her paintings are now housed in major museums around the world.
Alice Neel's paintings are characterized by bold colors and strong lines, and her subjects are often depicted in an honest, unflinching way. Her work is a testament to her skill as a portrait painter and her deep understanding of human nature. Neel's legacy as an artist is one of dedication and passion, and her work continues to inspire and influence generations of artists.
