Texas Longhorns 1985

LeRoy Neiman made this painting of the Texas Longhorns using bold colors and dynamic brushstrokes to capture the energy of the game. It’s all about the process here, isn’t it? The layering of colors and the quick, expressive marks suggest a real-time response to the spectacle. Look at the way Neiman uses color – these vibrant reds, oranges, and greens aren't just descriptive; they’re emotive. The thick paint, applied with visible brushstrokes, gives the image a tactile quality, as if you could reach out and feel the excitement. Notice how he renders the Longhorn; it's not just a bull, it's a swirling mass of color and energy, leading the charge. The looseness and intensity reminds me of Joan Mitchell’s abstract landscapes, both artists share a similar joy in the materiality of paint and a willingness to let the medium guide the image. Ultimately, this piece isn't about perfect representation; it's about capturing a feeling, an atmosphere, and the raw, unbridled energy of a moment.