Willie Stargell 1980

LeRoy Neiman made this painting of Willie Stargell with thick strokes of vibrant color, capturing a moment of intense action. I can almost see Neiman in his studio, mixing those bright blues, yellows, and reds, layering them on the canvas with energetic gestures, trying to capture the essence of Stargell. I imagine him thinking about the way a player moves, the tension in his muscles, the focus in his eyes. Those broad, bold strokes, they're not just paint, they're about the physicality of the sport. See how he uses that bright yellow to define the swing of the bat. You can feel the force. It reminds me of other artists like Elaine de Kooning who also painted sports figures with this kind of expressionistic energy. Artists are always talking to each other, right? Neiman’s work is another reminder that painting isn't just about representation; it’s a way of feeling, moving, and understanding the world through color and form.