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Нейман служил в Армия США в течение Вторая Мировая Война. Он работал поваром до конца войны, когда его художественные навыки были признаны и использованы для рисования. красный Крест показывает. После своего возвращения в 1946 году Нейман недолго проучился в Школа искусств Святого Павла, затем на Школа Художественного института Чикаго на Г.И. Счет. После учебы Нейман десять лет проработала на факультете Художественного института. Во время преподавания Нейман демонстрировал искусство на конкурсах и выигрывал призы. В 1954 году Нейман начал свое сотрудничество с Плейбой журнал. Нейман встретил Хью Хефнер делая внештатную иллюстрацию моды для Карсон Пири Скотт сеть универмагов, в которой писатель Хефнер. Хефнер и Плейбой арт-директор Арт Пол заказал иллюстрацию для пятого номера журнала. Хефнер сказал Sports Illustrated «Я не помню момент. Наши глаза не встречались в переполненной комнате». Однажды, после того, как Хефнер открыл свой журнал, он столкнулся с Нейманом на улице и попросил его стать соавтором журнала. Плейбой. Среди вкладов Неймана за следующие 50 лет он создал Фемлин персонаж страницы «Шутки о вечеринках» и в течение 15 лет снимался в полнометражном фильме «Человек на досуге», где Нейман рисовал иллюстрации своих путешествий в экзотические места.
Начиная с 1960 года, он путешествовал по миру, наблюдая и изображая досуг, общественные мероприятия и спортивные соревнования, включая Олимпиада, то Суперкубок, то Мировая серия, то Кентукки Дерби, чемпионат по боксу, PGA и Мастера Турнир по гольфу, Кубок Райдера, то Всемирные конные игры, Уимблдон и другие соревнования Большого шлема, а также ночная жизнь, развлечения, джаз и мир азартных игр в казино.
В 1970 году Нейман сделал иллюстрацию для 5-е измерение альбом Портрет.
В 1998 году он сделал все иллюстрации для специального выпуска журнала «Спорт». Нация журнал, за который он получил стандартную плату журнала в 150 долларов.
Нейман спонсировал и поддерживал несколько организаций от побережья до побережья, которые поощряют художественные мероприятия для детей из малообеспеченных семей, такие как Молодежный центр Лероя Неймана в Сан-Франциско и Центр искусств Лероя Неймана в Гарлеме. Он также создал помещения в различных колледжах, включая Центр изучения печати Лероя Неймана в Колумбийском университете в Нью-Йорке и кампусный центр Лероя Неймана в его альма-матер, Школе Института искусств Чикаго. Нейман пожертвовал 5 миллионов долларов Школе Художественного института, которая профинансировала строительство Центра Неймана в школе.
Он получил пять почетных докторских степеней и множество наград, а также награду за заслуги перед обществом. Университет Южной Калифорнии, индукция в Международный зал боксерской славы, а также прокламации и цитаты. Он получил орден Линкольна (высшая награда штата) на праздновании 200-летия Авраама Линкольна, врученном губернатором Иллинойса в 2009 году. Он является автором двенадцати книг о своем искусстве. Документальный фильм о его джазовой живописи, Биг-Бэнд, состоялась мировая премьера в Лос-Анджелесе в феврале 2009 года.
Нейман работал маслом, эмалью, акварелью, карандашными рисунками, пастелью, шелкографией и некоторыми литографиями и офортом. Нейман числился в Альманах коллекционера произведений искусства, Кто есть кто на востоке, Кто есть кто в американском искусстве, Кто есть кто в Америке, и Кто есть кто в мире. Он был членом Чикагское общество художников. Его работы выставлялись в музеях, продавались на аукционах, выставлялись в галереях и у онлайн-дистрибьюторов. Многие считают его первым крупным спортивным артистом в мире, которому только в последние годы бросило вызов новое поколение художников, таких как Стивен Холланд и Ричард Т. Слоун. Его работы находятся в постоянной коллекции Смитсоновский институт, то Музей Уитни, то Бруклинский музей, то Музей изящных искусств в Бостоне, то Государственный Эрмитаж в России, Wadham College в Оксфорде, в музеях и художественных галереях по всему миру, а также в частных и корпоративных коллекциях.
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Главная Мир вокруг Спорт и эротика Лероя Неймана
Спорт и эротика Лероя Неймана
Он был другом Мухаммеда Али и путешествовал с музыкантом Фрэнком Синатрой; спорил об искусстве с Сальвадором Дали, угощался сигарами у Фиделя Кастро и снимался в фильмах Сильвестра Сталлоне. Он плотно сотрудничал с журналом Playboy и был официальным художником пяти олимпийских игр. На олимпиаде в Мюнхене (1972 год) Лерой чуть не стал жертвой террористов. Он написал 15 книг, а его полотна висят в десятках музеев мира, в том числе и в петербургском Эрмитаже.
Картинки для солдат
Полушвед, полутурок (свои турецкие корни художник подчеркивал, с молодости и до самой смерти не расставаясь с черными, пышными усами) Лерой родился в нищем районе города Сент-Пол – столицы штата Миннесота.
– Я был уличным ребенком – рассказывал Нейман – школу не любил, да учеба особо мне и не давалась. Единственное, что мне действительно нравилось, это рисовать.
Все началось с довольно похабных, но стильных подделок под татуировки, которые будущая звезда художественных салонов наносила с помощью пера и цветной туши на руки одноклассников по их просьбе.
– Учителя терпеть меня не могли за эти «художества», но, скрепя сердце, признавали, что рисую я очень даже неплохо. И если нужно было оформить праздничный вечер, или сделать декорации для школьного спектакля, то обращались ко мне.
Я еще умудрялся и подрабатывать, рисуя продукты на вывесках местных продуктовых лавок.
Окончательно все на свои места поставила… служба в армии США. Оформляя плакаты для Красного Креста, и параллельно набрасывая пикантные картинки для скучающих по гражданскому раздолью солдат, Нейман понял, что ничем, кроме рисования он заниматься не хочет.
Они движутся!
– Стиль моей живописи проявился совершено неожиданно даже для меня – рассказывал художник. – Где-то в 1953 году я нашел неподалеку от своего дома несколько запечатанных банок обычной масляной краски, которой красят стены. Я открыл одну из банок, сунул в нее обычную малярную кисть… и понял, что если краску наносить не классическим способом, а так, будто она стекает, «смазывается», то можно отлично передавать быстрое перемещение объекта.
Этот-то стиль и позволил Нейману стать официальным художником олимпийских игр. Судите сами: бегуны на его полотнах – бегут, бейсболисты размахивают битой, боксеры наносят друг другу удары…
Но не только спортивные зарисовки сделали имя Лерою Нейману. Полувековое сотрудничество с Хью Хефнером – создателем эротического журнала Playboy – прославило художника как отчаянного ловеласа, что, собственно, далеко не совсем правда. Всю жизнь у Лероя была одна жена, Джанет Бирне, с которой он состоял в браке с 1957 года.
20 июня 2012 года Лерой Нейман скончался. Ему к тому времени исполнился 91 год.
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Most Successful Exhibitions of LeRoy Neiman
Some of LeRoy Neiman’s most successful early exhibits were the Chicago Art Exhibition and Washington, D.C.’s Corcoran Gallery of Art’s American 25th Biennial Exhibition. Neiman was commissioned to produce illustrations and other artwork for Playboy Magazine, his most famous series being Man at His Leisure. Neiman traveled the world, painting the best in entertainment industry, from English steeplechases to the Cannes Film Festival. Neiman also worked at studios in France and Italy. When Neiman returned to the United States, his first solo gallery exhibition was held at New York’s Hammer Galleries. He has covered five Olympiads, holds four honorary degrees, and wrote nine books, including Horses and Winners. In 1995, Neiman endowed Columbia University with the funds to create the LeRoy Neiman Center for Print Studies. Also, it is well-known that hundreds of works by Neiman appeared in his nine books — Horses from 1979, LeRoy Neiman Posters from 1980, Carnaval from 1981 and Winners from 1983, which was one of his most popular works which got published even in Japanese in 1985. The rest of his works were entitled Monte Carlo Chase, Big Time Gol, LeRoy Neiman, An American in Paris and LeRoy Neiman On Safari. Each year until his death, LeRoy used to create around eight limited-edition serigraph and silkscreen works, which were usually distributed by Knoedler Publishing. All of Neiman’s works were sold in many galleries throughout the United States and Europe and around 150,000 of Neiman prints have been purchased to date.
Early Life and Navigation through Social Structures
LeRoy Neiman was born on June 8, 1921 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He was educated at a Catholic primary school in Saint Paul, where constantly drew, entered art contests in his home country, and produced posters for school happenings. Leroy Neiman studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and also taught there for 10 years. When war raged in 1942, Neiman dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army. Neiman put his talents to use by painting murals in mess halls. His works compared enlisted men to officers, and this interest in social structure was an inspiration for many future works. Neiman’s professional influences include a variety of Impressionists, Fauvists, and Expressionists. The influence of Jackson Pollock is obvious, due to Neiman’s use of the action painting style. His first painting using this technique was Idle Boats, which was purchased by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. However, it wasn’t until his mid-career that Neiman has finished the search for his very own, recognizable style of serigraph edition. The majority of his most prominent hand signed, paper based paintings focus on sport, such as basketball, boxing, billiards, hockey, gymnastics, shot put, swimming, and even cycling. No matter the subject, ever LeRoy Neiman’s piece has the hand signed signature in the form of the bloody color red.
Neiman, Hugh Hefner and Playboy
Collaboration with Playboy and Hugh Hefner is one of the most important milestones in Leroy Neiman’s career. While he was a young artist who was freelancing at a Chicago department store, Neiman met Hugh Hefner, who was then a copywriter there. A few after their initial meeting, Neiman showed Hefner some of his paintings. Hefner was very surprised, even impressed, and he decided to contact Art Paul, Playboy’s art director, regarding LeRoy Neiman’s pieces. Paul immediately commissioned Neiman to illustrate Black Country, which was a short story about a life of a jazz musician. Neiman’s creation of those illustrations earned Playboy some prestigious awards and he gladly kept collaborating with the famous magazine. In 1958, LeRoy Neiman started making sketches and he decided to search for ideas for another notable Playboy feature, entitled Man at His Leisure. On this occasion, Neiman also wrote the text for the feature. Neiman’s work kept appearing in Playboy for the next 15 years and the artist started traveling a lot thanks to various Playboy commissions. For instance, in 1960, LeRoy Neiman captured many sport scenes and competitions in England, such as the Grand National Steeplechase, Epsom Derby, Ascot and also the Tour d’Argent, Maxim’s, the Lido, and the Folies-Bergere in France. He visited the Cannes Film Festival and St. Tropez too, along with the highly authentic Fiesta de San Isidro bullfights. Neiman never missed any of Monaco gatherings as well, such as the Grand Prix auto race. The variety of subjects that LeRoy Neiman depicted for Playboy in his later years don’t include only happenings, but also portraiture, such as include the Beatles and the Carnaby Street scene in London. Neiman portrayed Prince Philip playing polo at Windsor Castle, controversial nudists relaxing on the Adriatic Coast of Croatia, America’s Cup challenges and even Bolshoi ballet dancers in Russia. Between 1960 and 1970, LeRoy Neiman has produced more than 100 canvas-based works and two murals for Playboy. This magazine made the good life a reality for me and made it the subject matter of my work – not affluence and luxury, as such, but joie de vivre itself, LeRoy Neiman said about the nature of his vibrant and ever-changing pieces.
Enormous Appeal of Neiman’s Work
The prominent Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg in Russia has bought 19 of Leroy Neiman’s works in 1973, which are still in their permanent collections. Despite such great recognition and success, art critics have often totally ignored LeRoy Neiman’s, labeling it as superficial or vulgar. Yet, many of his colorful images of the so-called good life have appeared in the form of beautiful etchings, lithographs, silkscreen and even sculptures in the most important permanent collections of public and private museums, galleries and similar art institutions worldwide. These institutional acquisitions, more than anything else, speak of the great value and enormous appeal of LeRoy Neiman’s art. Whether one approves of LeRoy Neiman’s view or not, one must agree that he is a work of art himself, because of his constant efforts to depict entertainment industry and sport in the most enticing ways. Exactly this constant effort is what signed LeRoy Neiman’s place in the history of art and sport alike.
LeRoy Neiman lived and worked in New York City.
References:
- Neiman, L., All Told: My Art And Life Among Athletes, Playboys, Bunnies, And Provocateur, Lyons Press, 2012
- Neiman, L., LeRoy Neiman: An American in Paris, Harry N. Abrams, 1994
- Neiman, L., The Prints of Leroy Neiman: A Catalogue Raisonne of Serigraphs, Lithographs, and Etchings, Knoedler, 1980
All images LeRoy Neiman Foundation
Neiman and Important Sport Gatherings
In 1972, thousands of curious people worldwide watched LeRoy Neiman sketching Boris Spassky and Bobby Fischer at the legendary champion chess tournament in Iceland. Later on, Neiman started sketching various exciting duels and scenes at the Summer Olympic Games in Munich, Germany. For the creation of Olympics sketches, Neiman used an amazing combination of rather versatile materials. He combined watercolor, ink, gouache, felt-tip marker, chalk, colored pencil, graphite, and charcoal. The artist has shown his remarkable skills at portraiture and stop-motion drawing many times during the next decade – Neiman visited the Olympic Games in Montreal in 1976, Lake Placid in 1980, Sarajevo and Los Angeles in 1984. In 1978 and 1979 at Super Bowl, he changed his regular techniques and started using a computerized electronic pen to sketch the live action for CBS-TV. LeRoy Neiman was the official artist for the Sports Spectaculars broadcast in 1979 and 1980, and also for the 1986 Goodwill Games, which were held in Moscow and supported by the Turner Broadcasting Network.
Behind the Artist: LeRoy Neiman
Posted September 8, 2017
In Art & Gallery News, Articles, Artists & Special Collections, Leroy Neiman
The worlds of fine art and sports don’t commonly collide. To American artist LeRoy Neiman, however, the culture of athleticism was a dynamic masterpiece.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1921, Neiman’s artistic style was equally dynamic, articulate, and celebratory. As one of the most renowned artists of the 20th and 21st century, Neiman captured the intensity and essence of sports using vibrant primary colors, spontaneous brushstrokes, and the subtle tones of Impressionism. Known for his handlebar mustache, cigars, and flamboyant white suits, Neiman exuded style on and off the canvas.
LeRoy Neiman
Neiman’s artwork has been the subject of more than 200 solo exhibitions and 100 group exhibitions organized by esteemed museums. These include the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Carnegie Institute of Art, and a dual exhibition alongside Andy Warhol at the Los Angeles Institute of Contemporary Art in 1981.
Neiman served as a member of the New York City Advisory Commission for Cultural Affairs from 1995 until his death in 2012. He received the Award of Merit from the American Athletic Union in 1976, and a Gold Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement in 1977. The artist is also renowned for his charitable efforts, providing donations to Columbia University and the School of the Art Institute in Chicago.
For more information on LeRoy Neiman, below are three details exploring the contemporary artist’s fascinating life.
Forays into Sports Art
“Indoor Cycling” (1979), LeRoy Neiman
In 1960, Neiman began to travel the world and paint depictions of the Olympics, the Kentucky Derby, the Super Bowl, the World Series, the Masters, and more. Neiman found a niche between fine art and sports, a talent few had mastered. His fast-moving strokes, which gave the illusion of movement, became an instantly recognizable facet of Neiman’s style and technique.
“For an artist, watching a (Joe) Namath throw a football or a Willie Mays hit a baseball is an experience far more overpowering than painting a beautiful woman or leading political figure,” Neiman said.
His journey into sports art culminated in creating artwork for the “Rocky” films. In “Rocky III,” at the end of the credits, one can view a painting by Neiman depicting Rocky and Apollo Creed landing punches on each other. In fact, the artist was given a cameo role in the series. Neiman was cast as the ring announcer in “Rocky III,” “Rocky IV,” and “Rocky V.” The artist and his signature cigar and mustache can be seen in “Rocky III” here and here.
Inspired by Impressionists
“Place de la Concorde” (2006), LeRoy Neiman
Neiman was inspired by the French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, including Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas, whose art reflected public life. Neiman often painted or sketched live on television, interpreting the drama of sporting events as millions watched live.
Painting in social settings became an important aspect of Neiman’s oeuvre, setting him apart from other artists.
An Olympic Legend
“Nanago 2005 Special Olympics” (2003), LeRoy Neiman
A long-standing relationship with the Olympics cemented Neiman’s artistic legacy. He created art for the Winter Games in Squaw Valley in 1960 then went on to paint for Munich in 1972, Montreal in 1976, Lake Placid in 1980, and Los Angeles in 1984. His Olympic body of work served as the catalyst for Neiman’s art to be collected on an international level.
Neiman’s Olympic creations hold a timeless spot in the heart of both sports fans and fine art connoisseurs alike. One could argue that these works were the defining works of Neiman’s career, establishing his legacy as one of the world’s greatest fine artists.
To add art by LeRoy Neiman to your collection, attend one of our live online auctions or contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or (248) 354-2343 (international) during business hours or sales@parkwestgallery.com after hours.
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The Artistic Vibrancy of LeRoy Neiman Within the American Socio-Political Landscape
LeRoy Neiman’s art, characterized by its exuberant colors, dynamic brushwork, and celebration of sports and leisure, found its place within a specific socio-political context in the United States. Born in 1921, Neiman’s prolific career spanned several decades, offering a unique perspective on the changing dynamics of American society. This article explores how Neiman’s vibrant artworks mirrored and were influenced by the socio-political climate of the time, from the post-World War II era to the vibrant 1970s and beyond.
The Post-War Era: A Nation Rebuilding and Embracing Leisure
The aftermath of World War II marked a period of recovery and optimism in America. As the nation sought to rebuild and redefine itself, the pursuit of leisure and entertainment became a prominent aspect of American culture. LeRoy Neiman’s artwork, with its joyful depictions of sports events, iconic celebrities, and luxurious lifestyles, tapped into this newfound exuberance. His paintings reflected the American people’s desire to embrace leisure activities as a means of healing and rekindling a sense of unity in a transformed society.
The Civil Rights Movement: Art as a Reflection of Struggle and Progress
During the 1950s and 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement challenged the nation’s social fabric, demanding justice and equality for African Americans. Within this charged socio-political climate, LeRoy Neiman’s art assumed a new dimension. While his works often showcased glitz and glamor, they also captured moments of racial integration in sports and entertainment.
The Counterculture and the 1970s: A Celebration of Nonconformity
The 1970s witnessed a shift in American values, with the rise of the counterculture challenging traditional norms. This period saw the emergence of expressive and avant-garde art movements, including abstract expressionism. Neiman’s influence on expressionism and his incorporation of bold brushstrokes and vivid colors aligned with the spirit of the era. His art became a visual representation of the changing times, capturing the essence of nonconformity and individualism that defined the 1970s.
Cover by Leroy Nieman of the game program for the Miami Dolphins – New York Jets game, October 1, 1967; Cover by Leroy Neiman. Published by New York Jets., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Olympic Games and National Pride: A Visual Tribute to American Excellence
LeRoy Neiman’s appointment as the official artist for multiple Olympic Games allowed him to portray American athletes competing on the world stage. His paintings of Olympians exuded national pride and celebrated American excellence in sports. During times of international competition and Cold War tensions, Neiman’s art conveyed a sense of unity and patriotic fervor, instilling pride in the nation’s achievements beyond the realm of politics.
Ранние годы[править | править код]
Лерой Лесли Ранквист родился в 1921 году в Сент-Поле, штат Миннесота. Сын Лидии Софии Ранквист (англ. Lydia Sophia Runquist), урожденной Серлин (англ. Serline), из Брахама, Миннесота, и Чарльза Джулиуса Ранквиста (англ. Charles Julius Runquist). Родители сочетались браком в 1918 году и жили в Грастоне, Миннесота, округ Канабек. Отец по его собственному утверждению имел турецкие и шведские корни. После его ухода из семьи, в 1926 году мать будущего художника вышла замуж за Джона Л. Нимана (англ. John L. Niman или Neiman). Лерой получил фамилию отчима. Примерно в 1935 году этот брак также распался, а в 1940 году Лидия София вышла замуж в третий раз, за Эрнста Г. Холшера (англ. Ernst G. Hoelscher) из Сент-Пола. Она умерла в Сент-Поле 14 ноября 1985 года в возрасте 87 лет. Лерой рос в районах Макалистер-Гроувленд и Фрогтаун, дольше всего, с 1940 по 1955 годы, жил в доме 569 по Ван Бюрен-Авеню, который сохранился до настоящего времени.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Inspired LeRoy Neiman?
LeRoy Neiman drew inspiration from a multitude of sources that shaped his artistic vision. His childhood love for drawing and sports laid the foundation for his later artistic pursuits, with sports becoming a recurring theme throughout his career. Additionally, Neiman was influenced by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973), Henri Matisse (1869 – 1954), and Diego Rivera (1886 – 1957), whose bold use of color and unique techniques left a lasting impact on his own artistic style. His extensive travels and experiences as the official artist for the Olympic Games allowed him to capture the energy and spirit of various international sporting events, further fueling his passion for portraying athletes and the dynamics of competition.
Are There Any LeRoy Neiman Prints Available?
In addition to his original paintings, Neiman was also known for creating a significant body of work in the form of limited-edition prints. These prints allowed his artwork to reach a wider audience and become more accessible to art enthusiasts and collectors. Neiman’s prints captured the same dynamic and energetic style that characterized his paintings, and they often depicted sports events, iconic celebrities, leisure activities, and other subjects that were prevalent in his artistic repertoire. His prints were highly sought after and contributed to his widespread popularity and recognition as an artist.
Лерой Нейман | Фамильные ценности
В Нью-Йорке скончался один из самых популярных американских художников, официальный живописец пяти Олимпийских игр Лерой Нейман. Он умер через полторы недели после своего дня рождения: 8 июня ему исполнился 91 год.
Л.Неймана не стало в среду, 20 июня. О смерти художника сообщила Гейл Паренто, его рекламный агент. Точная причина смерти пока неизвестна, передает Associated Press.
Известность пришла к Л.Нейману благодаря выразительным зарисовкам спортивных мероприятий. Например, он выполнил серию набросков с натуры на шахматном турнире между Борисом Спасским и Бобби Фишером в Рейкьявике.
Живописец принимал участие в оформлении пяти Олимпийских игр — начиная с 1972г. в Мюнхене и заканчивая 1984г. в Лос-Анджелесе. На протяжении многих лет он являлся официальным иллюстратором культового журнала Playboy.
В своем творчестве Л.Нейман не обошел стороной и русскую тематику: в 1977г. в свет вышла его картина «Панорама Красной площади». Кроме того, он выполнил целую серию работ, посвященных Большому театру. Министерство культуры СССР выступило личным организатором выставки художника в Государственной Третьяковской галерее в 1988г.
Работы Л.Неймана выполнены в технике акварели, карандаша, масла, шелкографии, литографии и эмали. В кругах художников он известен как автор 15 книг, посвященных искусству, в кругах музеистов и ценителей искусства — как живописец, чьи работы находятся во многих частных и публичных коллекциях мира, в том числе в петербургском Эрмитаже.
РБК — RBC.Ru
21 июня 2012 г.
Личная жизнь
Нейман женился на Джанет Бирн в 1957 году. Они жили в Нью-Йорке, их родной базе более пяти десятилетий, вплоть до смерти Неймана. Их резиденция внутри достопримечательности Нью-Йорка, Hotel des Artistes над Café des Artistes на 67-й Западной улице, изначально предназначавшейся для художников, состоит из комнат двойной высоты, выходящих окнами на Центральный парк.Норман Роквелл когда-то там жили, а также знаменитости Рудольф Валентино, Ноэль Кауард, Основатель CNN Риз Шонфельд и бывший мэр Джон Линдси. Студия живописи, офисы и дом Неймана находятся на одном этаже, его архивы — на другом, его пентхаус — наверху.
LeRoy Neiman’s Biography
| Date of Birth | 8 June 1921 |
| Date of Death | 20 June 2012 |
| Place of Birth | Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Associated Art Movements | Expressionism, Impressionism, and Modern Art |
LeRoy Neiman, an American artist known for his vibrant and expressive works, has left an indelible mark on the world of art. Born on June 8, 1921, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Neiman’s childhood laid the groundwork for his later artistic pursuits. Growing up in a working-class family, he developed an early passion for drawing and sports, with the latter inspiring many of his later masterpieces. This section of LeRoy Neiman’s biography delves into the formative years of Neiman’s life and the influences that shaped his artistic vision.
His Childhood
LeRoy Neiman’s childhood was a blend of creativity and athleticism. From a young age, he displayed an innate talent for drawing, spending hours sketching his surroundings and the people he encountered. His family’s limited resources only fueled his determination, leading him to create art with whatever materials he could find.
His Influences
Neiman’s artistic influences were diverse and multifaceted. He was greatly inspired by the works of expressionists, such as Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973) and Henri Matisse (1869 – 1954), whose bold use of color and unconventional techniques resonated with him. Additionally, Neiman found inspiration in the energetic brushwork of abstract expressionists like Jackson Pollock (1912 – 1956), which would influence his own distinct style in the future. He also admired the works of Diego Rivera (1886 – 1957), whose murals and portrayal of social issues left a lasting impact on Neiman’s artistic sensibilities.
Training and Early Artworks
After attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and later studying at the University of Chicago, Neiman honed his skills as an artist. He experimented with various mediums, including painting, drawing, and printmaking, which allowed him to develop a unique and recognizable style. In the 1950s and 1960s, he gained recognition for his illustrations in prestigious publications such as Playboy magazine, solidifying his position in the art world and providing a platform for his early artworks to gain exposure.
LeRoy Nieman in 1998; John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Major Career Achievements
LeRoy Neiman’s career reached new heights in the 1970s when he became the official artist for the Olympic Games. This opportunity allowed him to travel extensively, capturing the essence of various international sporting events through his dynamic and vivacious LeRoy Neiman paintings. His iconic depictions of athletes and sports competitions garnered him widespread acclaim and solidified his status as a cultural icon.
His Influence on Expressionism and Art History in General
Neiman’s impact on Expressionism and art history lies in his distinctive style, which seamlessly merged elements of realism and abstraction. His bold and vivid use of color, along with his spontaneous brushwork, evoked a sense of movement and energy in his artworks, making them instantly recognizable.
Worldwide Artistic Collaborations
In 1961, LeRoy Neiman rented a studio in Paris, which became his temporary home and artistic sanctuary. While living in France, Neiman has studied the Deauville social season and he won one of his earliest awards — a gold medal at the Salon d’Art Moderne, in Paris. After spending some time in France, Neiman decided to move to Italy for a while, where he painted a regatta of gondoliers in Venice and made friends with the legendary filmmaker Federico Fellini. Neiman’s first solo exhibitions outside the United States were held in galleries in London and Paris in 1962. After returning to the United States in 1963, Neiman has established his own studio in New York City. During the same year, Leeroy Neiman had his first solo exhibit in New York, at the Hammer Galleries, where he showcased his entire oeuvre. After this initial success, more than 50 additional venues in the United States have hosted Neiman’s exhibitions — Minnesota Museum of Art, the University of Texas in El Paso, the Abbey Theatre in Dublin and the Museo de Bellas Artes, in Venezuela.