LeRoy Neiman

I was an Excutive Director at Knoedler & Co, for 4 years 1979-1983 and was a marketing/PR driver for Le Roy Neiman graphics.. even though they were sold primarily thru Hammer Galleries (then owned by Dr Armand Hammer.] LeRoy would come to Knoedler's posh conference room to do a ritual signing of his work...the rituals were a great bottle of expensive champagne, and a primo Cuban cigar. On one side of the long conference table would be a pile of unsigned Neiman serigraphs, an edition of say, 100 ..that cost (then) about $30,000 to produce at the art print house. But then we'd pass a sheet to LeRoy and he would sign it with his flourish, and boom!, that art print edition was now worth $250,00 and up.. it was like printing money. LeRoy was always fun-loving and we had some rollicking times, such as going thru Central Park in a Hansom Cab..filled with friends, and of course, Veuve Clicquot. LeRoy and I had many a fine art chat, either at his studio or out on the town in NYC. When I produced for Knoedler a catalogue raisonné on Art from The Hermitage that Dr Hammer had arranged to bring over from St. Petersberg, Russia, LeRoy was most complimentary about my book for the gallery, even though he was not involved in that art opus. I then produced for NBC TV, a 1/2hour special on this art "The Legacy of Leonardo"... and LeRoy and I began to spark about doing an art film/TV show of his work.. but a year slipped by and I subsequently
left Knoedler. He was a work of art! Adrian Butash, Santa Barbara CA, butash2@gmail,.com

LeRoy changed my life forever in the most positive way. He and his art will live on. With love, Lynn

The first time I saw Leroy Neiman was on the Merv Griffin show I was about sixteen most guest's sit and talk after all it is a talk show but forever the consumate proffessional he made a portrait drawing of "Merv" on the spot on camera and answered questions talking about his life and work before millions of veiwers cool as can be. That made me realize that a life in art was an exciting, noble,respectable and lucritive
Proffession. Years later I met Janet and Mr. Neiman at an art opening @ the French Embassy
they were a class act. Several times after that I had the ubiqitous good fortune to run into them on occassion. I have long admired his artistry, success proffessionalism "hutzpa" & his ageless timeless creation Femlin. A seemingly tierless prolific one man industry I wish I had known him better, The soul of the artist burns eternal ever present and with generations to come. He left his mark on an era.
God Bless & keep you both.

Leroy

REST IN PEACE KNOWING YOU PROVIDED SO MUCH JOY FOR SO MANY PEOPLE WITH YOUR ART. YOU HAVE BRIGHTENED OUR WORLD. YOU WILL BE REMMEBERED AS ONE OF THE 'GREATEST''

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I have been a fan of Mr. Neiman's art for over 40 years. I got up the courage to call his studio about twenty years ago and was talking with a nice gentleman about Mr. Neiman's art and how much I was drawn to it and how it started my interest in painting. At the end of the 25 minute conversation I asked what his name was and he humbly said he was Leroy. I nearly dropped the phone. What a wonderful Man, Artist, and American he was! God Bless him! Gordon Cruickshank, Fairfax, VA

I have fond memories from 1975 of trying to convince Leroy Neiman that it would be a good idea for me to drive a van loaded with his paintings from NYC back to Saint Paul for a hometown exhibition. He was somewhat skeptical but he did very generously risk his treasures and we have not forgotten! Our condolences to all.

I have been out of touch for quite some time; however, just knowing that I must think of him as no longer occupying space on earth is so sad.

My condolences to family and friends,may you endure and comfort each one, and may the God of comfort, comfort all of you.

Talk about the Greatest of All Time! Ali has nothing on Sir LeRoy Neiman! A True Legend of the Art World! You will be dearly missed! JP