A
superb draftsman and brilliant colorist, artist LeRoy Neiman
captures the essential drama of an action or event in his
artwork. Throughout his illustrious career, Neiman and his
art have been associated with the best and brightest stars
of sport and screen. In addition to portraying nearly every
major sports figure of our time, Neiman has also looked to
famous film celebrities and well-know political figures as
subjects for his powerful imagery.
Some of his most famous
celebrity subjects have been Frank Sinatra (this work of
Neiman's was used for one of Frank's last albums,
"Duets"), Marilyn Monroe, Al Capone and the
Beatles.
Neiman's art has been
exhibited in major museums around the world, and his works
of art are to be found in some of the most prestigious
public and private collections worldwide.
In 1981, LeRoy began work
on a gigantic painting of Sylvester Stallone as
Rocky Balboa. This magnificent piece was featured
prominently in Rocky III. Today, it reportedly
resides in a private collection rumored to be owned by an
ex-trainer of Sly's. Neiman also created an energetic
piece that was used for the closing credits of Rocky III
which captures the final frame of the film - when Rocky and
Apollo Creed are just about to swap blows. This piece,
an original, has never been reproduced or offered as a
print, however the "Rocky Portrait" was at one
time available as a lithograph.
In addition to contributing
these iconic pieces to the Rocky treasure trove, LeRoy
Neiman also appeared on camera in three of the
sequels. He has a bit role in each as the ring
announcer in Rockys III, IV and V.
A
superb draftsman and brilliant colorist, artist LeRoy Neiman
captures the essential drama of an action or event in his
artwork. Throughout his illustrious career, Neiman and his
art have been associated with the best and brightest stars
of sport and screen. In addition to portraying nearly every
major sports figure of our time, Neiman has also looked to
famous film celebrities and well-know political figures as
subjects for his powerful imagery.
