Before the Race 1981

LeRoy Neiman made this painting of a scene before a horse race with oil paint. The way he's put the paint on, it's like he's trying to catch the energy of the moment rather than just describe what he sees. Look at how he uses color. The greens and browns kind of vibrate against the reds and purples of the horses and riders. It feels like you're right there in the middle of the action, doesn't it? Neiman isn't afraid to let the paint be itself, you can see the strokes, and the textures. There's this one spot, near the center, where a jockey in a bright yellow jacket stands out, surrounded by a sea of muted tones. That pop of color, it's like a little burst of excitement. It makes me think of Franz Kline, in the way he captures movement. This painting isn't about perfection, it's about feeling. Art doesn't have to give you all the answers, it's more interesting when it asks questions too.