Sports painter LeRoy Neiman dies at 91


The Voice (singer Frank Sinatra) (2002) by LeRoy Neiman. Serigraph. 28 x 22 in(71.12 x 55.88 cm). Limited edition of 500 numbered impressions, 100AP, 8PP, signed by the artist.

Additional info on this work, via LeRoyNeiman.com: LeRoy Neiman had a long-standing personal relationship with entertainer Frank Sinatra. The artist portrayed the 'Chairman of the Board' many times, from quick pencil sketches at live performances to full-color oil paintings. 

Shown above: The Song is You (1943), sung by Frank Sinatra. Songwriter not specified. Performance notes: Frank Sinatra performs during a filming in November, 1943, at the Walton High School Auditorium in the Bronx, New York City, U.S.

Neiman, always drawn to action, usually depicted Sinatra singing on stage and at recording sessions. This particular portrait was commissioned by Tina Sinatra for the cover of the album, Classic Duets

Shown above: My Way (1994), sung by Frank Sinatra. Song notes (via Wikipedia): My Way is a song popularized by Frank Sinatra. Its lyrics were written by Paul Anka and set to music based on the song Comme d'habitude, composed in 1967 by Claude François and Jacques Revaux, lyrics by Claude François and Gilles Thibault.

The new portrait, unlike all the previous ones, shows 'Ol' Blue Eyes' quietly sitting still. Captured in shades of aqua and blue, he is at a recording session, appearing typically casual, sitting backwards in a chair and wearing his trademark hat. But while he may look relaxed, he's actually listening intently to a playback of his own singing, judging his voice and performance. Sinatra (Dec. 12, 1915 - May 14, 1998) was a perfectionist and his own harshest critic, and would not accept a take until he thought it was perfect.


Toreador (1973) by LeRoy Neiman. Limited edition serigraph on paper. Signed by the artist. 
23 x 22 in. (58.42 x 55.88 cm.) Additional details

Painter LeRoy Neiman has passed away at the age of 91. Via Wikipedia: LeRoy Neiman (June 8, 1921 - June 20, 2012) was an American artist known for his brilliantly colored, expressionist paintings and screen prints of athletes, musicians and sporting events. More

Video clips

A Visit to Brand-X Studio / Neiman's Serigraphic Printing Studio from Franklin Bowles Galleries on Vimeo.
The print shop in New York that for years produced many of LeRoy's serigraphs. Bob Blanton, Brand-X director, guides us through the process.


LeRoy Neiman - Paints Washington Square Park, SF, 2001 from Franklin Bowles Galleries on Vimeo.
Neiman creates the watercolor sketch that will be the starting point for the finished painting and serigraph of this historical San Francisco landmark.

Camera, editing: Scott Saraceno


LeRoy Neiman on "Frank Sinatra - The Voice" serigraph from Franklin Bowles Galleries on Vimeo.


LeRoy Neiman's "America's Cup, 1971" from Franklin Bowles Galleries on Vimeo.
Title: 1970 America's Cup - Intrepid vs. Gretel II
Medium: Oil on Board
Size: 48 x 96.5
Year: 1971