Carousel 1958

LeRoy Neiman made this carousel with dynamic brushstrokes and a vibrant palette, capturing the dizzying energy of childhood fun. I can imagine Neiman attacking the canvas, trying to catch the motion. See how he uses thick strokes of blues, reds, and yellows to suggest the spinning horses and their riders? It’s not about perfect representation; it’s more about the feeling of movement and excitement, right? That one dab of red paint near the center feels like a burst of pure joy, and the way he lets the colors bleed into each other gives a sense of blur, like when you’re trying to focus on something moving really fast. Looking at this, I’m reminded of other painters, like Joan Mitchell, who used expressive brushwork to convey emotion. Artists are always inspiring each other. This painting reminds us that art isn't just about seeing; it's about feeling and experiencing the world in new ways.