Four Jockeys 1974

LeRoy Neiman made this painting, Four Jockeys, with loose brushstrokes and a vivid color palette, making it seem as though the painting came to life in a burst of energy. I can only imagine Neiman at the racetrack, sketchbook in hand, trying to capture the essence of these figures in motion. With a few deft strokes, he's captured the essence of these jockeys, their colorful silks, and the atmosphere of anticipation. I really get a sense of the relationships between the figures in the painting. Look at the jockey in the spades: the color looks applied thinly, almost transparent, allowing the canvas beneath to peek through. This creates a sense of airiness. Neiman's work reminds me of other artists who captured everyday life like Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec, but Neiman's style is so unique and instantly recognizable. It demonstrates how artists continue to build on each other's work, each adding their own perspective to the ongoing conversation of art. It's a reminder that painting isn't just about making a pretty picture, it's about expressing our experiences and interpretations of the world around us.