Restaurant Scene 1963

What is the first thing you notice about this painting? It’s probably the bold and striking colour palette. The artist, LeRoy Neiman (1921-2012), has included an abundance of oil shades, from fiery oranges and lively greens to blues and purple. Together, these contrasting colours build a vibrant atmosphere. The viewer doesn’t simply look at the scene – rather, we actively feel the bustle and energy. ⚡️ ‘Restaurant Scene’ was painted in 1963. Completed in an eye-catching abstract style, the work depicts a couple being served at a dining table. A woman with shocking orange hair is shown in the act of applying makeup; she clutches a pocket mirror, and gently pats her face with powder. Sat beside her is a grey-haired man in a dinner jacket. 🍽️ Two smartly dressed waiters tend to the table. They are slightly cropped out of the composition, drawing the main focus of the work to the seated couple. The waiter to the left of the canvas pours wine into a glass, while the other serves food on a tray. This tray is painted with highlights of vivid turquoise, suggestive of shining silverware. The overall impression is one of luxury and extravagance. 🍷 LeRoy Neiman worked as a chef in the United States army during the Second World War. Many of his works represent leisure, entertainment, and social activities. His signature style is expressive, often utilising bold streaky brushstrokes. In paintings such as ‘Restaurant Scene’, Neiman prioritises subjective mood over realism. Why do you think the artist might have focussed on emotion over visual accuracy? What does this say about the changing role of art in the 1960s? 👇💭 Editor: Lucy Jude Grantham