LeRoy Neiman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
LeRoy Neiman
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Neiman in front of the mural he created for the Triple Crown of Polo
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| Born |
LeRoy Leslie Runquist
June 8, 1921 Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
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| Died | June 20, 2012 (aged 91) New York City, U.S.
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| Resting place | Woodlawn Cemetery |
| Nationality | American (USA) |
| Alma mater | School of the Art Institute of Chicago (BFA, 1950) |
| Occupation | Painter |
| Known for | Expressionist paintings |
| Spouse(s) | Janet Neiman (née Byrne) |
LeRoy Neiman (born LeRoy Leslie Runquist, June 8, 1921 – June 20, 2012) was a famous American artist. He was known for his bright, colorful paintings and prints. His art often showed athletes, musicians, and exciting sporting events.
Contents
Early Life and Name Change
LeRoy Neiman was born in 1921 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. His birth name was LeRoy Leslie Runquist. When he was young, his father left the family. Later, his mother married John L. Niman (Neiman). LeRoy then changed his last name to Neiman as well. He grew up in different neighborhoods in St. Paul.
Becoming an Artist
Serving in the Army
During World War II, Neiman served in the United States Army. He started as a cook. But soon, his artistic talents were noticed. He began painting sets for shows put on by the Red Cross.
Art School and Teaching
After the war, in 1946, Neiman went to art school. He studied at the School of The Art Institute of Chicago. This was possible thanks to the G.I. Bill, which helped soldiers go to college. After he graduated, Neiman taught at the Art Institute for ten years. During this time, he also entered art competitions and won many awards.
Painting the World of Sports and Entertainment
Starting in 1960, Neiman began to travel a lot. He observed and painted scenes of people enjoying life, social events, and sports. He painted many famous events, including:
- The Olympic Games
- The Super Bowl
- The World Series
- The Kentucky Derby horse race
- Championship boxing matches
- Major golf tournaments like The Masters
- Wimbledon tennis
He also painted nightlife, entertainment, jazz music, and casino gambling. His art captured the energy and excitement of these moments.
Art for Albums and Magazines
In 1970, Neiman created the artwork for the 5th Dimension's album called Portrait. Later, in 1994, he designed the logo for a musical called Busker Alley. This artwork was even turned into a huge five-story mural on a Broadway theater in New York City. In 1998, he illustrated a special "Sports" issue of The Nation magazine.
Supporting Young Artists
LeRoy Neiman cared deeply about helping young people. He supported many groups that offered art activities for kids who might not otherwise have the chance. Some examples include:
- The LeRoy Neiman Center for Youth in San Francisco
- The Arts Horizons LeRoy Neiman Art Center in Harlem
He also helped create art facilities at colleges. He donated $5 million to his old school, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. This money helped build the Neiman Center there.
Awards and Recognition
Neiman received many honors throughout his life. He earned five honorary doctorates. He also got a lifetime achievement award from the University of Southern California. He was even inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. In 2009, he received The Order of Lincoln award, which is the highest honor in Illinois. He wrote twelve books that featured his artwork.
His Artworks and Style
Neiman created about six new serigraphs (a type of print) each year. These prints were very popular. His original oil paintings could sell for a lot of money, sometimes up to $500,000.
While he was famous for sports art, Neiman also painted other subjects. He created many works from his trips to safari, showing animals like black panthers, elephants, and lions. He also painted sailing, food, horses, and famous people and places.
Neiman used many different art materials. He worked with oil paints, enamel, watercolors, pencils, pastels, and various printing techniques. His art is displayed in museums and galleries all over the world, including:
- The Smithsonian
- The Whitney Museum
- The Brooklyn Museum
- The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston
- The State Hermitage Museum in Russia
Many people consider him the first major sports artist in the world.
Personal Life
LeRoy Neiman married Janet Byrne in 1957. They lived in New York City for over 50 years. Their home was in a famous building called the Hotel des Artistes. This building was originally made for painters. It had tall rooms that looked out over Central Park. Many famous people, including artist Norman Rockwell, also lived there. Neiman's art studio, offices, and home were all in this building.
Later Years and Legacy
Neiman continued to paint even after having a leg amputated in 2010 due to health issues. His autobiography, a book about his life, was published in 2012. It was called All Told: My Art and Life Among Athletes, Playboys, Bunnies, and Provocateurs.
Death
LeRoy Neiman passed away on June 20, 2012, shortly after his 91st birthday. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York City.
Images for kids
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Program for 1967 Jets–Dolphins game
