Tamarind Institute, a division of UNM's college of fine art, is a world renowned fine at lithography workshop and gallery.

Visit tamarind.unm.edu to learn more about Tamarind Institute

Well-known for his depiction of sporting events and celebrities, Neiman created Lobo Layup at Tamarind Institute after attending the 2008 men’s basketball game against UNLV. Neiman has generously donated his work to benefit the Tamarind captial campaign and Lobo Athletics.

Never Too Late to Try Something New: LeRoy Neiman's First Lithograph

by Bill LaGatutta, Master Printer and Shelly Smith

When Marge Devon called LeRoy Neiman to invite him to Tamarind to try his hand at lithography, he immediately accepted saying, “Great! It’s a perfect time to learn something new.” The energy that exudes from LeRoy Neiman’s sporting events has not waned.

Neiman attended the 2008 UNM men’s basketball victory over UNLV with Marge Devon and Dr. David Shmidley, UNM’s President. At the game Neiman sketched UNM’s star player, J.R. Giddens, who has since been signed by the Celtics.

After the game, the work of transforming the sketches into a lithograph began and LeRoy was quite humble and very inquisitive about the process of lithography. He is best known for his paintings and serigraphs which are very colorful and complex. Color lithography is a whole different process to understand; and at times it was frustrating for LeRoy to limit himself to fewer colors than the serigraph allows.

But, he was eager to understand lithography and explore the techniques that it has to offer. Once the plates and stone were drawn, we began to try different color possibilities. LeRoy enjoyed the color proofing and seeing the color combinations he thought would work. After 10 days, the enthusiasm and experimentation paid off and LeRoy was very happy with the color combination achieved in Lobo Layup.

To see LeRoy in his mid 80s, so accomplished in his field, but willing to experience a completely new medium was great to watch and be a part of. It was an honor to work with a man who is probably the best known sports artist of our time.

Call 505.277.3901 to learn more about Neiman's visit to Tamarind and to purchase your Lobo Layup!