The Mixologist 1983

LeRoy Neiman created this lively image of 'The Mixologist' using oil paint applied with bold strokes. Look closely, and you can see the texture and movement he achieved, almost like the energetic clinking of glasses in a busy bar. Neiman wasn’t afraid to use the inherent qualities of his medium. The thick, expressive application of oil paint makes the scene jump to life. The way he handled the paint, with visible brushstrokes, gives us a sense of the speed and skill involved in capturing this moment, much like the skill of the bartender. It’s not just about what’s depicted; it’s about the action of painting itself. This approach elevates the everyday. Neiman takes a familiar scene from working life and turns it into a dynamic composition. By focusing on the process and materiality, he blurs the lines between observation and abstraction, reminding us that art can be found in the most unexpected places.