Black Labrador 1977

LeRoy Neiman’s "Black Labrador" is a painting made with thick strokes and vibrant color, all about the joy of paint meeting canvas. Look how Neiman uses blues and purples to define the dog's form, a twist on realism that’s full of energy. It's like he's not just painting what he sees, but how it feels to see it. Up close, you can see the individual marks, each one alive with texture. The paint isn't blended smooth, but sits on the surface, creating a lively, almost chaotic feel. Notice the way the green and yellow grasses are rendered with quick, gestural strokes, suggesting movement and life. It's not about perfect detail, it's about capturing the essence of a moment. Neiman's work reminds me of the Fauves, artists like Matisse, who weren't afraid to use color in unexpected ways. Like them, he shows us that art isn't about imitation, but about expression, about finding new ways to see and feel the world.