Touchdown 1973

LeRoy Neiman made “Touchdown” with expressive marks and a spirited palette! Imagine the studio, buzzing with energy as Neiman lays down strokes of vibrant yellow, teal, blue, and red. I can see the artist’s hand moving quickly, trying to keep up with the action on the field, as the image comes into being with these rapid flicks and jabs of colour. Neiman's brushwork is so lively, creating a sense of movement and excitement. The paint isn’t too thick, but has body, like he’s trying to capture not just the look but the feeling of the game. Check out how the players seem to blur, merging with the crowd, mirroring the chaotic energy of a football game! In a way, this piece reminds me of some of Joan Mitchell’s paintings; loose but somehow capturing a moment. It's like they're all in conversation, across time, inspiring each other to see and feel in new ways. And that is something that I think painting does best.