Bird Dog 1975

LeRoy Neiman’s *Bird Dog*, is a vivid painting, probably made with acrylic on canvas – or something equally punchy. I imagine Neiman approaching the canvas with gusto, laying down those broad strokes of green, blue, and the dog’s dappled coat. You can almost feel the energy in the brushstrokes, right? It's not about capturing every detail, it's about capturing the essence, the vitality. I picture Neiman standing back, squinting, maybe adjusting a spot of purple here, a dash of white there. You can see how the colors are laid on with a sense of freedom, a kind of "alla prima" directness of gesture, capturing an animal alert and ready for action. Think of other painters like Joan Brown who were looking at animals with a similar directness and simplicity. There is a conversation happening across time, inspiring each other’s creativity. Painting embraces uncertainty, it allows for multiple interpretations, and that’s part of the fun.