Alice Neel (1900-1984) was an American painter known for her portraits of people from all walks of life. Born in Pennsylvania, Neel studied at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women and later at the Art Students League in New York City. Her early work was influenced by the Ashcan School, a group of artists who focused on the gritty realities of urban life. Neel's portraits were often raw and honest, capturing the essence of her subjects with bold brushstrokes and vivid colors. She painted everyone from her friends and family to political activists and celebrities, including Andy Warhol and Allen Ginsberg. Despite facing discrimination as a female artist and struggling financially for much of her life, Neel continued to paint until her death in 1984. Today, her work is celebrated for its emotional depth and social commentary, and she is considered one of the most important American painters of the 20th century.
