Note on Art

Note on Art

A note from LeRoy Neiman on Central Park.

This note from LeRoy Neiman describes features of Central Park, including Strawberry fields, dog walkers, and the carousel. At the top of the note, Neiman has written “Bethesda Fountain”; the artist made multiple works depicting this location, including a print and poster, which were widely distributed. At the bottom, he has provided two commentaries. One contextualizes Neiman’s interest in Central Park via art history. The other discussion is of a more personal character. The note is one of a series the artist wrote on parks.

LeRoy Neiman

LeRoy Neiman Foundation

LeRoy Neiman Foundation

c. 2007-11

LeRoy Neiman

Property of the LeRoy Neiman Foundation; please consult the organization's archivist for further details.

Notes, LN_Notes_1765, LN_Notes_1770, LN_Notes_1771, LN_Notes_1769, LN_Notes_1766, LN_Notes_1767

Image/jpeg

English

Document

LN_Notes_1768_01; LN_Notes_1768_02

New York (N.Y.) New York

Bethesda Central Park [/ In the 843 acre park are joggers, picnickers, schmoozers, strollers, dog-walkers, kite-fliers, bicyclists, roller skaters, itinerate performers, folk dancers, lovers, bird watchers, people watchers, ball players.] Concerts and Performances [/ Band Shell / Carousel] 1950 Riverview Amusement Park - TRANSPARENCIES [/ Zoo / Patio - Tavern on the Green / Limos, cabs, and passenger cars on curved roadways / Horse drawn carriages / Statues of Shakespeare, Beethoven, [Schiller], Samuel Morse, etc. /] SKATING RINK / DOG WALKERS - ETCHING [/ Strawberry Fields, a patch of landscaped hills and lawns where tourists pilgrimage to see the "Imagine" mosaic that is a remembrance of John Lennon. It is a peaceful, quiet, family outing retreat from the traffic and ghetto blasters of the hectic metropolis. /]
Among artists who put their [easels] up in Central Park and painted there
Arshile GORKY 1904-48 late 20's
Maurice Prendergast
William Meritt Chase
I moved to NY in 1963 and after knowing the Park from all these years - as a short cut to and from the east side. The early years ti was in [a] state of neglect, graffiti , painted rocks and benches - unkempt. But the carrousel played, the fountains played, the big cats and Elephant in the zoon
over /

I just never got around to sketching or painting it fro 25 years. When Bethesda reopened after years of renovation it was glorious, - symmetrical, elegant, laid out - - -

Wordprocessed with pencil and felt-tipped pen on paper.