Stretch Stampede 1979

LeRoy Neiman made 'Stretch Stampede' with what looks like oil paint, slapping it on with juicy brushstrokes. I bet the studio was buzzing with energy. The way the paint is applied makes it look like everything is moving super fast, right? You can almost feel the pounding of the horses’ hooves and the wind in your face. And the colors! Neiman uses these bright, bold colors that aren't exactly realistic, but they capture the feeling of being at the race. I'm sure he was thinking about capturing the excitement and spectacle of the race rather than painting a photographic image. Think about this big red smear at the bottom; it anchors the whole scene, giving it weight. The painting feels like a conversation with other artists who have tried to capture movement and energy on canvas, like some of the Italian Futurists. There's a real sense of pushing the boundaries of what paint can do. Ultimately, 'Stretch Stampede' is a reminder that painting is about feeling and expression, not just representation. It’s an invitation to see the world with more color, more energy, and more excitement.