Surfing, Poche Beach, Man at His Leisure Playboy illustration 1967

LeRoy Neiman made this illustration, Surfing, Poche Beach, Man at His Leisure for Playboy, and what strikes me is how he goes right at it with these bold, juicy marks. It's all about the process here, right? Look at that water – thick swipes of blue and green, laid down with such confidence that you can almost feel the splash. The people are barely there, just these suggestions of figures built from vibrant daubs of color. The guy at the back almost disappears, becoming one with the painting surface. Neiman's not precious; he's letting the paint do its thing. There's this one spot, the red tip of the surfboard. It’s just a quick flick of the brush, but it grounds the whole composition, adding a touch of danger and excitement. I love how he captures movement and energy with such minimal means. It reminds me a bit of Matisse’s cut-outs, that same sense of joyful spontaneity. For me, this piece isn't about surfing so much as it is about the pure, unadulterated pleasure of painting.