LEROY NEIMAN
2015
ABOVE :
Self Portrait at Boathouse (detail) 1998 – see page 62 FRONT COVER :
OPPOSITE :
Horse Racing (detail) 1987 – see page 97
Bunny Sipping Champagne (detail) 1964 – see page 36
LEROY NEIMAN
2015
FRANKLIN BOWLES GALLERIES SA N F R A N C I S CO / N E W YO R K
It's been fun. I've had a lucky life. Art has made me pull the best out of myself. LeRoy Neiman (1921– 2012)
LEROY NEIMAN Despite his death almost three years ago at the age of 91, the work of LeRoy Neiman lives on, and this past year we were gratified to see America’s favorite artist continue to garner the respect and recognition that his legacy so rightly deserves. Neiman was given a one-man show, primarily featuring some of his most beloved sports subjects, at the prestigious Louisiana State University Museum of Art in Baton Rouge last summer. At the end of last year, Neiman’s work was part of a group show at the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art.
In addition, a monumental jazz
painting, which adorned a large wall in LeRoy’s studio for many years, was recently installed for permanent exhibition at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. As LeRoy’s largest dealer for over 40 years, Franklin Bowles Galleries is proud to continue in our mission to introduce generations, both new and old, to this remarkable artist’s life and work. Pursuant to this goal, our latest exhibition features over 150 works on paper from the artist’s personal archives, most never before exhibited in public. They display a wide variety of subjects, and embody
Frank at Rao's (detail) 2002 – see pages 64–65
3
the rich diversity and scope of interests that preoccupied their creator. This collection also includes a stellar array of the finest Neiman paintings we were able to acquire over the past year from public and private sources throughout the world. We owe a resounding debt of gratitude to the LeRoy Neiman Foundation without whose continued and dedicated collaboration, collections as fine as this would simply not be possible. Neiman’s exciting and intensely colorful paintings, sketches and serigraphs not only capture the vibrant spirit of American and global cultures in an instantly-recognizable style, his works also manage to reflect diverse moods and lifestyles, as they changed over the span of the artist’s career. We need not remind those already familiar with his work that LeRoy was a tremendous draughtsman of the first order. He was constantly drawing, always alert and receptive to the myriad subjects around him, from the mundane to the magnificent. LeRoy’s coverage of the social spectrum was aptly served by the astonishing economy of line and gesture he needed to capture and convey an entire personality or psychological quality. Many of the works in this collection qualify as genuine historical artifacts, mementos of some of the most significant people, places and events that took place over the past 50 years. A true original, LeRoy’s distinct take on the world has surely established his place in art history as one of the foremost chroniclers of culture and society. LeRoy painted things as he saw them, and his take on the world still manages to excite the senses and stimulate the imagination. Never a critical darling during his life, LeRoy’s work was still contagious, gaining him a public following that is still alive and well today. It is a pleasure to watch as his artistic legacy begins to catch up with the public’s appreciation of his work and we look forward to keeping you apprised of future exhibitions and tributes. We are grateful to continue on this odyssey with his many collectors and admirers and hope you will find as much to admire in this collection as we do.
4
OPPOSITE :
Redhead Reclined mixed media on paper 17.75 x 24 in.
Olympic Ski Jump 1980 acrylic and enamel on board 19 x 14 in.
6
Downhill Racers 1972 acrylic and enamel on board 9 x 23 in.
7
I've met and sketched most of the great athletes from the past five decades, and their movement, grace and energy have kept me captivated over the years. That's what the ancient Greeks first saw, and that's what caught my interest. LeRoy Neiman
The Goalie 1965 acrylic and enamel on board 48 x 72 in.
9
E. Smith 1994 mixed media on paper 11 x 15 in.
Jerry Rice, The Breathe Right Man 1995 mixed media on paper 14 x 11 in.
10
Joe Namath 1965 acrylic and enamel on board 15.5 x 7.75 in.
11
Giant and a Yankee mixed media on paper 8 x 16.25 in.
Phil Rizzuto Bunting mixed media on paper 10.25 x 8.25 in.
12
Darryl Strawberry mixed media on paper 19.5 x 15.5 in.
Bobby Bonilla, NY Mets 1992 acrylic and enamel on board 38.5 x 24 in.
Barry Bonds 1994 mixed media on paper 10.25 x 8 in.
Double Play 1963 acrylic and enamel on board 36 x 23 in.
Casey 1999 mixed media on paper 16 x 15 in.
Joe Torre 2001 mixed media on paper 14.5 x 13.5 in.
15
Knocking Out Thomas Hearns (detail) 1985 acrylic and enamel on board 18.5 x 42 in. - see previous pages for full image
18
Boxing is my real passion...nothing is like the fights to me. I'm excited by the visual beauty of it. A boxer can look so spectacular by doing a good job. LeRoy Neiman
19
Victorious Ali mixed media on paper 22 x 26.5 in. Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed 1985 mixed media on paper 15 x 11 in.
20
The Middleweight 1960 acrylic and enamel on canvas 32 x 22.5 in.
Two Women Golfers mixed media on paper 7.5 x 9 in.
Serena Williams mixed media on paper 13.5 x 11 in.
22
Caesar’s Palace Life Guard 1980 acrylic and enamel on canvas 30 x 22 in.
23
Tiger Woods: P.G.A. 2nd Day 1997 mixed media on paper 12 x 11 in. OPPOSITE :
15th Hole 1969
acrylic and enamel on board 22 x 30 in.
25
Dallas Grand Prix 1984 mixed media on paper 13.5 x 15 in.
26
Danny Ongais 1987 mixed media on paper 16.75 x 22.25 in.
27
Hulk Hogan 1991 mixed media on paper 30 x 22 in.
28
Pele 1975 mixed media on paper 14.75 x 11.75 in.
Michael Jordan 1997 mixed media on paper 14.25 x 11 in.
29
Joe Namath at Home 1966
mixed media on paper 12.5 x 16.5 in.
Corky Carroll 1966 mixed media on paper 25.75 x 19.75 in.
30
Showgirl and Show Horse 1963 mixed media on paper 9 x 8 in.
Lord's Cricket Ground Spectators 1961 mixed media on paper 16 x 19.75 in.
Bullrider 2000 mixed media on paper 7.5 x 10.75 in.
31
32
Bunnies 1966 acrylic and enamel on board 24 x 36 in.
33
Reclining Woman, El Cabaret Tropicana, Havana 1999 mixed media on paper 12.75 x 15 in.
34
Vegas Bar acrylic and enamel on board 10 x 7.5 in.
Sketch for Stardust Reflections 2005 mixed media on paper 17.75 x 13 in.
35
Bunny Sipping Champagne 1964 acrylic and enamel on board 30 x 22.5 in.
'Playboy' made the good life a reality for me and made it the subject matter of my paintings – not affluence and luxury as such, but joie de vivre itself. LeRoy Neiman
Bunnies 2 1965 acrylic and enamel on board 16.25 x 12 in.
38
Blonde Nude in Paris 1981 mixed media on paper 18 x 24 in.
Woman in Eveningwear 1982 mixed media on paper 36.5 x 29.75 in.
Stardust Showgirls, Vegas 1975 mixed media on paper 15 x 9.75 in. Nude With Cherubs 1989 mixed media on paper 20 x 13 in.
40
Belly Dancer on Hef’s Table 1970 mixed media on paper 15 x 12 in. Woman with John 1989 mixed media on paper 19 x 11.75 in.
41
Flamenco Dancer and Bull 2000 mixed media on paper 30 x 22 in.
Flamenco 1987 mixed media on paper 23 x 26 in.
Bolshoi Pair, Moscow 1986 mixed media on paper 17 x 22 in.
43
‘ Playboy ' was liberating. I was drawn to it and went for it full throttle. LeRoy Neiman
44
Laying Down in her Party Dress 1964 acrylic and enamel on board 30 x 22.5 in.
Sphinx mixed media on paper 13.25 x 15 in.
46
Dalmatian Trio mixed media on paper 12.75 x 10 in.
Yoshiwara, Geisha in Tokyo 1991 mixed media on paper 21.25 x 18.75 in.
Bun Sit, Showgirl mixed media on paper 18 x 12.5 in.
48
Stardust 1958 mixed media on paper 15.75 x 14 in.
Scottsdale Tennis Supermarket 1975
Blonde Woman with Suitcase 1963
mixed media on paper 12 x 14.5 in.
mixed media on paper 17 x 12.5 in.
49
Givenchy Women mixed media on paper 30 x 21.5 in.
Rockefeller Center acrylic on board 48 x 36 in.
51
The Try-Me Girl mixed media on paper 22 x 12.5 in.
52
Nude Putting on Stockings 1961 mixed media on paper 10.75 x 8 in.
Veteran Stripper 1980
mixed media on paper
16 x 11.5 in
53
Woman in Hat 1974 mixed media on paper 19 x 24.25 in.
Dallas 1981 mixed media on paper 14.75 x 15 in.
54
Liliane Montevecchi in Hat 1985 mixed media on paper 9.25 x 12.75 in.
I love the passion you go through while you're creating. LeRoy Neiman
Brooke Shields: Bicycle for 4 Minutes 1982 mixed media on paper 30 x 22 in.
Freda Manchester mixed media on paper 15.25 x 12 in.
Genoese Paola Adrono mixed media on paper 26 x 21 in.
57
Sammy Davis 1989 mixed media on paper 24 x 18 in.
58
Sammy Davis Jr. Playing Drums 1965 acrylic and enamel on board 46.5 x 35 in.
Dave Brubeck at Newport 2004 mixed media on paper 9.5 x 7 in.
60
Regis Philbin’s Telephone 1987 mixed media on paper 13 x 10.25 in.
Tony Bennett at the Copacabana 1963 mixed media on paper 17 x 11 in.
I guess I created LeRoy Neiman. Nobody else told me how to do it. Well, I'm a believer in the theory that the artist is as important as his work. LeRoy Neiman
Self Portrait at Boathouse 1998 mixed media on paper 5.5 x 4.25 in.
62
Hef in San Francisco 1965 mixed media on paper 14 x 13 in.
63
Yo –Yo Ma, Cello 1987 mixed media on paper 13 x 15.25 in.
64
David Johnson: Feet on Pedals 1983 mixed media on paper 9.25 x 23.75 in.
Chuck Mangione, New Year's Eve 2004 mixed media on paper 10.25 x 13.5 in.
CBGB 1980 mixed media on paper 15.5 x 9.25 in.
Wynton Marsalis 1999 mixed media on paper 11.25 x 15 in.
65
Frank at Rao's 2002 acrylic and enamel on board 34 x 48 in.
66
67
68
It's not the act of arrogance to draw, it's humbling – you must use your God-given talent. And of all the people I sketch, in most cases, I feel I have to measure up to the subject. LeRoy Neiman
69
Liza Minnelli 1989 mixed media on paper 24 x 18 in.
David Johansen: Rock Lives! 1981 mixed media on paper 15.5 x 13 in.
70
Bo Derek on Horseback on Her Ranch 1986 mixed media on paper 12.5 x 9.25 in.
Barbara Eden 1973 mixed media on paper 13 x 9.75 in.
71
Charlton Heston 1974 mixed media on paper 11.5 x 11.5 in.
Clark Gable 1996 mixed media on paper 20.5 x 17.5 in.
72
Frank at Madison Square Garden 1974 mixed media on paper 12.25 x 15 in.
Tom Selleck at Breakfast 1985 mixed media on paper 10.5 x 20 in.
73
Giraffe Girl, Tropicana Pool 1984 mixed media on paper 15 x 9.5 in. Bus Girl 1980 acrylic and enamel on canvas 30 x 22 in. OPPOSITE :
74
Your Friendly Bartender at Hotel Fourteen 1957 mixed media on paper 11.5 x 14.25 in.
Gaddi’s, Hong Kong 1990 mixed media on paper 15 x 23.5 in.
Eating is one of the great beauties in life. One of my favorite recreations... eating with friends, the service, the ambience. LeRoy Neiman
The Savoy, London 1989 mixed media on paper 13 x 15.5 in.
77
Ristorante Nuovo Marconi 1996 mixed media on paper 15.25 x 13.5 in.
78
Campton Place, San Francisco 1996 mixed media on paper 15.5 x 13.5 in. Kahala Hilton, Hawaii 1985 mixed media on paper 16.25 x 13.75 in.
79
Bar at Camino Real Hotel, CancĂşn, Mexico 1984 mixed media on paper 7.25 x 16 in.
Legendary NYC Saloon and Restaurant, Toots Shor’s 1955 mixed media on paper 10.75 x 16 in.
Dinner Tea at Le Crocodile 1986 mixed media on paper 13 x 15.5 in.
Harry’s Bar in Venice 1996 mixed media on paper 13.5 x 15 in.
81
Irish American Bar 1959 – 78 acrylic and enamel on board 48 x 70 in.
82
83
The businessman says 'If I don't do it first, somebody else will.' The artist says 'If I don't do it first, nobody else will.' LeRoy Neiman
84
85
The Summit, Harrah’s Tahoe 1983 mixed media on paper 14 x 9.25 in. Four Seasons: Dom P in Wine Bucket 1982 mixed media on paper 19.5 x 12 in.
86
Pouring from Aging Barrel 1958 mixed media on paper 9.5 x 8.5 in
Annabel’s Bellini, London 1983 mixed media on paper 11.75 x 9.25 in.
Pouring Wine 1965 mixed media on paper 9.25 x 10 in.
87
Bar Footsie 1997 mixed media on paper 7 x 4.75 in.
Chubby Checker Boots 1985 mixed media on paper 15 x 9.75 in.
88
OPPOSITE :
Claudio the Barman, Harry’s Bar in Venice 1972 mixed media on paper 12.5 x 16.25 in.
Bar at Le Cirque 2006 mixed media on paper 5 x 7.5 in.
On the Rocks! mixed media on paper 4 x 6 in.
90
Bartender mixed media on paper 15 x 11 in. Red-Jacketed Bartender 1955 mixed media on paper 12 x 8 in.
91
92
Strasbourg Still Life 1986
Decanting Wine at La Tour D’Argent, Tokyo 1988
mixed media on paper 13.25 x 15.5 in.
mixed media on paper 13 x 11.5 in.
Ivana’s, Atlantic City, Trump Hotel 1984 mixed media on paper 13 x 18.75 in.
93
96
PREVIOUS PAGES :
At the Paddock 1958 acrylic and enamel on board 17 x 47 in.
Jockey on Horse at Happy Valley, Hong Kong 1990 mixed media on paper 12.75 x 11 in.
97
Silver Charm, Kentucky Derby Winner 1997 mixed media on paper 11.25 x 14 in.
Sunday Silence with Trainer Charlie Whittingham 1989 mixed media on paper 12 x 9 in.
OPPOSITE :
98
Horse Racing 1987
acrylic and enamel on board 24 x 30 in.
Big A Jockey 1973 mixed media on paper 12 x 9.25 in.
Jockey at Caymanas Park in Kingston 1970 mixed media on paper 16 x 12 in.mixed media on paper 16 x 12 in.
100
Cigar with Starred Jockey mixed media on paper 14 x 11 in.
Kent Desormeaux 2000 mixed media on paper 25.5 x 18.5 in.
101
My paintings are founded upon visualization rather than upon vision, and upon organization of elements rather than upon reproduction of a presumption. The spectator looking at a painting of mine must deal with the orchestration of broken colors. My paintings are a chaos of color, an intermingling of colors; they slant, halt, spiral, jump, and highlight. They are used to attract and delineate — the same patch of color in one case will identify and in another will merely form atmosphere. LeRoy Neiman
102
OPPOSITE :
Jockey Club 1985 mixed media on paper 13.5 x 18 in.
Elliott Burch, Belmont 1969 mixed media on paper 16 x 13 in.
104
Funny Cide Rides Again 2003 mixed media on paper 13.5 x 15 in.
Equestrienne mixed media on paper 12 x 9 in.
Piazza de Campo mixed media on paper 14 x 15.5 in.
105
Vienna Rider 1980 mixed media on paper 12 x 16.5 in.
White Andalusian 1977 mixed media on paper 24.25 x 18 in.
106
The Hunt 1964 acrylic and enamel on board 14 x 9 in.
Young Appaloosa Colt 1978 mixed media on paper 10.75 x 14 in. Horseshoe 1979 mixed media on paper 19 x 11.75 in.
108
Working Horses mixed media on paper 11.75 x 16 in.
109
Patterned Horses 1974 mixed media on paper 9.5 x 13 in.
Rainbow Horse 1974 mixed media on paper 12 x 15 in.
110
Regent’s Park Birds, London 1983 mixed media on paper 7 x 15.25 in.
Rooster 1990 mixed media on paper 15.5 x 11 in.
111
Lion Group, Kenya 1984 mixed media on paper 22 x 30 in.
OPPOSITE :
Lion Family 1974 acrylic and enamel on board 41 x 53 in.
113
Lion on the Victorie Navalis Monimentum 1996 mixed media on paper 10.75 x 8.5 in.
114
Lioness Stalking on Savannah 1994 mixed media on paper 18.75 x 24 in.
Horsing Around on the Piano mixed media on paper 8.5 x 11 in.
Red Rolls 1984 mixed media on paper 12.75 x 11 in.
115
I draw all the time. Drawing is my backbone. I don't think a painter has to be able to draw; I just think that if you draw, you better draw well. LeRoy Neiman
116
Ocelot 1973 acrylic and enamel on board 24 x 34.25 in.
117
Woman at the Slots, Vegas 1993 mixed media on paper 13.5 x 10.5 in.
Baccarat Dealer 1980 acrylic and enamel on canvas 30 x 22 in.
The World Series of Poker 1976 mixed media on paper 14 x 20 in.
100 Years of Las Vegas 2004 mixed media on paper 24 x 18 in.
119
Chauffeured Dog mixed media on paper 13 x 16 in.
120
Architecture of Paris 1994 mixed media on paper 5 x 21.75 in.
Pitbull mixed media on paper 13 x 7 in.
Hef’s Mansion 1984 mixed media on paper 21.5 x 22.25 in.
121
Bar Txoko in Pamplona 1967 mixed media on paper 20 x 24 in.
Gentlemen Sketches 1949 mixed media on paper 10 x 7.5 in.
122
Three Serengeti Women 1970 mixed media on paper 23 x 20.5 in.
Masai Warriors, Kenya 1994 mixed media on paper 10.75 x 13.75 in.
123
Last Dance at the Palazzo 1985 mixed media on paper 13 x 18 in.
INDEX
Bus Girl
74
15th Hole
24
Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed
20
100 Years of Las Vegas
119
Casey
15
Annabel’s Bellini, London
87
CBGB
65
Architecture of Paris
120
Caesar’s Palace Life Guard
23
At the Paddock
94-97
Campton Place, San Francisco
79
Baccarat Dealer
118
Charlton Heston
72
Bar at Camino Real Hotel, Cancún, Mexico
80
Chauffeured Dog
120
Bar at Le Cirque
90
Chubby Checker Boots
88
Bar Footsie
88
Chuck Mangione, New Year's Eve
65
Bar Txoko in Pamplona
122
Cigar with Starred Jockey
101
Barbara Eden
71
Clark Gable
72
Barry Bonds
14
Claudio the Barman, Harry’s Bar in Venice
89
Bartender
91
Corky Carroll
30
Belly Dancer on Hef’s Table
41
Dallas Grand Prix
26
Big A Jockey
100
Dallas
54
Blonde Nude in Paris
38
Dalmatian Trio
46
Blonde Woman with Suitcase
49
Danny Ongais
27
Bo Derek on Horseback on Her Ranch
71
Darryl Strawberry
13
Bobby Bonilla, NY Mets
13
Dave Brubeck at Newport
60
Bolshoi Pair, Moscow
43
David Johansen: Rock Lives!
70
Brooke Shields: Bicycle for 4 Minutes
56
David Johnson: Feet on Pedals
64
Bullrider
31
Decanting Wine at La Tour D’Argent Tokyo
92
Bun Sit, Showgirl
48
Dinner Tea at Le Crocodile
81
Bunnies
33
Double Play
14
Bunnies 2
37
Downhill Racers
7
Bunny Sipping Champagne
36
E. Smith
10
125
126
Elliott Burch, Belmont
104
Jockey on Horse at Happy Valley, Hong Kong
97
Equestrienne
105
Joe Namath
11
Flamenco
43
Joe Namath at Home
30
Flamenco Dancer and Bull
42
Joe Torre
15
Four Seasons: Dom P in Wine Bucket
86
Kahala Hilton, Hawaii
79
Frank at Madison Square Garden
73
Kent Desormeaux
101
Frank at Rao's
67-68
Knocking Out Thomas Hearns
16-18
Freda Manchester
57
Last Dance at the Palazzo
124
Funny Cide Rides Again
104
Laying Down in her Party Dress
45
Gaddi’s, Hong Kong
76
Legendary NYC Saloon and Restaurant, Toots Shor’s
80
Genoese Paola Adrono
57
Liliane Montevecchi in Hat
55
Gentlemen Sketches
122
Lion Family
112
Giant and a Yankee
12
Lion Group, Kenya
113
Giraffe Girl, Tropicana Pool
74
Lion on the Victorie Navalis Monimentum
114
Givenchy Women
50
Lioness Stalking on Savannah
114
The Goalie
8-9
Liza Minnelli
70
Harry’s Bar in Venice
81
Lord's Cricket Ground Spectators
31
Hef in San Francisco
63
Masai Warriors, Kenya
123
Hef’s Mansion
121
Michael Jordan
29
Horse Racing
99
The Middleweight
21
Horseshoe
108
Nude Putting on Stockings
53
Horsing Around on the Piano
115
Nude With Cherubs
40
Hulk Hogan
28
Ocelot
117
The Hunt
107
Olympic Ski Jump
6
Irish American Bar
83-84
On the Rocks!
90
Ivana’s, Atlantic City, Trump Hotel
93
Patterned Horses
110
Jerry Rice, The Breathe Right Man
10
Pele
28
Jockey at Caymanas Park in Kingston
100
Phil Rizzuto Bunting
12
Jockey Club
103
Piazza de Campo
105
Pitbull
120
Strasbourg Still Life
92
Pouring from Aging Barrel
87
Sunday Silence with Trainer Charlie Whittingham
98
Pouring Wine
87
The Summit, Harrah’s Tahoe
86
Rainbow Horse
110
Three Serengeti Women
123
Reclining Woman, El Cabaret Tropicana, Havana
34
Tiger Woods: P.G.A. 2nd Day
25
Red Rolls
115
Tom Selleck at Breakfast
73
Red-Jacketed Bartender
91
Tony Bennett at the Copacabana
61
Redhead Reclined
4
The Try-Me Girl
52
Regent’s Park Birds, London
111
Two Women Golfers
22
Regis Philbin’s Telephone
60
Vegas Bar
35
Ristorante Nuovo Marconi
78
Veteran Stripper
53
Rockefeller Center
51
Victorious Ali
20
Rooster
111
Vienna Rider
106
Sammy Davis
58
White Andalusian
106
Sammy Davis Jr. Playing Drums
59
Woman at the Slots, Vegas
118
The Savoy, London
77
Woman in Eveningwear
39
Scottsdale Tennis Supermarket
49
Woman in Hat
54
Self Portrait at Boathouse
62
Woman with John
41
Serena Williams
22
Working Horses
109
Showgirl and Show Horse
31
The World Series of Poker
119
Silver Charm, Kentucky Derby Winner
98
Wynton Marsalis
65
Sketch for Stardust Reflections
35
Yo–Yo Ma, Cello
64
Sphinx
46
Yoshiwara, Geisha in Tokyo
47
Stardust
48
Young Appaloosa Colt
108
Stardust Showgirls, Vegas
40
Your Friendly Bartender at Hotel Fourteen
75
SPRING 2015 Project managers: Alex Gleason / Stacey Bellis
Catalog design: D. Lee Myers
Artist photography: Lynn Quayle
Art photography: Scott Saraceno
Next 2 pages: At the Paddock (detail) 1958 – see page 92–94 Back cover: Irish American Bar (detail) 1959–78 – see page 81–82
127
$40.00
F R AN KL IN BOWL E S GAL L E R IE S 765 / 799 Beach Street San Francisco CA 94109 415.441.8008 800.926.9535 349 Geary Street San Francisco CA 94102 415.441.8008 800.926.9535 431 West Broadway New York NY 10012 212.226.1616 800.926.9537
w w w. f r a n k l i n b o w l e s g a l l e r y. c o m