Note on Art

Note on Art

A note from LeRoy Neiman on portraiture and his artistic process.

This note from LeRoy Neiman reveals the artist’s thoughts on portraiture and his artistic process, more generally. The first section of the writing speaks to Neiman’s method of assessing a subject. (e.g. He writes, “I penetrate in in the subject observed from whatever distance.”) The majority of this analysis constitutes a discussion of physiognomy. The second section speaks to the kind of “everyday” aspects of Neiman’s work. Not only does the artist emphasize the literal everyday character of his practice (i.e. he makes work, largely, everyday) but it also more tacitly underlines his interest in the ordinary.

LeRoy Neiman

LeRoy Neiman Foundation

LeRoy Neiman Foundation

c. 1990-2011

LeRoy Neiman

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

Notes

Image/jpeg

English

Document

LN_Notes_829

New York (N.Y.) New York

I penetrate in the subject observed from whatever distance (PANORAMIC)—6 ft.—10 yards—shoulder to shoulder—external.
How dressed, presented—movement, of a persona how they stand, sit or walk. Mannerisms, gestures, expression, attitudes, pretentions.
It can be a slant, an angle. A glimpse, prolonged external, all revealing (carriage) aspects of the inner person

Something it is necessary to stick one’s neck out rather than to embrace security
The art game looks for the new. So if that is the artist’s (creator’s) vent there is a receptive target. I prefer the familiar. I work every day seeking excellence, development, self-expression. If I have not drawn for several days, I get off center and try to regain the rhythm.
Sometimes (through persistence too much) I go stale and cannot get excited enough to work. At this point I do not wait for the mood. I just tie into doing it. I can capitalize on accidents and mistakes, but seek or defend them.

Felt-tipped pen on paper.