Lel’s Blog

Hello and welcome! Here you'll find news and musings about art, inspiration, and upcoming shows.

Our first open studio

November 16, 2019 · Lel ·

Fernwoods Studios Art in the Woods — Tim’s shop was transformed for Art in the Woods

Open studio art show — My work hanging along with my husband Tim Celeski’s woodworking

Abstract painting in an open studio — My work hanging along with my husband Tim Celeski’s woodworking

We were happy to see so many folks make the trek to Indianola and up Fern Street during the Art in the Woods Studio Tour Nov. 8-10. After living in here for over 11 years, we’re accustomed to the long dirt road drive, but it’s an adventure for many. Yes, Fernwoods Studios is “Art in the Woods”, literally!

Western sword ferns on Fern Street — Fern Street, Indianola, Washington, USA

Thanks to all who came by, including former West Seattle neighbors, dear friends and family, and a favorite high school teacher I hadn’t seen since that time! It was a pleasure for us to see you all and to meet the many folks who regularly do the tour. Once the memory of all the heavy lifting fades, we’ll very likely decide to do it again next year. It was a good time.

Art in the Woods – our first open studio at Fernwoods & you’re invited

November 3, 2019 · Lel ·

What the heck is Fernwoods? That’s what we call our place in Indianola, Washington where my husband, Tim Celeski, and I live and work. It’s tucked up in the woods, and yes, it has a lot of ferns!

Tim and I will be showing our art together as part of the North Kitsap peninsula Art in the Woods Studio Tour. It’s a self-guided tour of 21 Artists’ studios, with over 60 participating local artists.

Art in the Woods Studio Tour

Fri., Sat., Sun., Nov. 8-10, 2019, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Tour website)

What you’ll see at Fernwoods Studios (besides ferns)

I’m showing my limited edition abstracts: expressive digital paintings and the modern Shapemaking series.

Open studio! plus Fall 2019 shows

October 5, 2019 · Lel ·

Art In The Woods Studio Tour, Nov. 8-10

Come on over to our place in Indianola, Fernwoods.

Fri., Sat., Sun., Nov. 8-10, 2019, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

My husband, Tim Celeski and I will be showing our work at our home studio. We’ve enjoyed the self-guided Art In the Woods Studio Tour in the past, and are excited to be included this year. It’s the first time we’ve had an open studio and you’re invited. Download the studio Tour Map PDF.

Bright summery abstract painting with primary colors by Leslie Newman — Summer Fling, new work I’ll be showing this Fall.

Indianola Holiday Art Fair, Nov. 16

Sat., Nov. 16, 9 a.m-3 p.m.

Indianola Beach Improvement Club (IBIC) Clubhouse, it’s always lively! Here’s the Google map.

Bainbridge Island Winter Studio Tour, Dec. 6-8

This year, my second time to participate, I’ll be at Bethany Lutheran Church. Check the tour website for the list of artists and the tour map.

Expressions Northwest juried exhibit, Aug. 1 – Sept. 1, 2019, Port Townsend, WA

July 27, 2019 · Lel ·

I’m happy to announce three of my paintings were accepted into a juried exhibit: Forest Lights, Night and Noon, and Blue Green City. They’ll be included in the Expressions Northwest exhibit at Northwind Arts Center in Port Townsend all of August.

Expressions Northwest
A Celebration of Creating & Living in the Pacific Northwest

Juror: David Sessions, exhibit curator Bainbridge Arts & Crafts on Bainbridge Island, WA.

At Northwind Arts Center

701 Water Street
Port Townsend, WA
Open hours: Wed.– Mon. 11:30 am – 5:30 pm

Schedule of exhibit events

August 9, 5:30 – 7:30 pm – Opening Reception & Awards Presentation
August 6, 7 – 8:30 pm Ekphrastic Write in
August 10, 1 pm Juror Talk
August 22, 1 pm Ekphrastic Reading

What the heck does Ekphrastic mean? Wikipedia says “The word ekphrasis, or ecphrasis, comes from the Greek for the description of a work of art produced as a rhetorical exercise, often used in the adjectival form ekphrastic. It is a vivid, often dramatic, verbal description of a visual work of art, either real or imagined.” — This should be interesting!

If you’re nearby or passing through Port Townsend stop in and check it out.

Port Townsend August 2019 events

Port Townsend is a busy town in the summer. A lot’s happening this August. Here are some highlights: Jazz Port Townsend; Shakespeare in the Park; the hip and now THING music festival at Fort Worden (Aug. 24-25); Olympic Music Festival for classical music lovers; Port Townsend Studio Tour (Aug. 17-18); and Jefferson County Fair (Aug. 9-11).

The Port Townsend Farmers Market is da best (from what I hear). I’ll be heading there to finally check it out Sat., Aug. 10 on my way to the Juror Talk. The Northwind Art Center is on Water Street, where there are lots of interesting shops and places to eat. We always stop into William James Booksellers. They have an excellent, well-organized offering of used books, including art books.

So there are plenty of reasons to get to Port Townsend in August. I hope locals and visitors take time to stop by Northwinds Arts Center to see the Expressions Northwest art show.

Solo Show at Wendy Armstrong Gallery Feb. 1 – April 3, 2019

January 25, 2019 · Lel ·

Amelia Wynn & Armstrong Art Gallery showing Leslie Newman, digital painting, Artist reception: Friday Feb 1 & March 1, First Friday Art Walk 6-8 pm, Show runs Feb. 1–April 3, 2019

I’m having a solo show at Amelia Wynn Winery and Armstrong Art Gallery in Winslow on Bainbridge Island! I’m showing a selection of my digital paintings and Shapemaking Series limited edition abstracts. The show opens during the First Friday Art Walk, Feb. 1, 6-8 p.m. I will be there and Amelia Wynn will be pouring some of their award-winning wine and serving a spread of nibbles.

Artist reception Feb. 1, 6–8 p.m.

Amelia Wynn Winery and Armstrong Art Gallery

450 Winslow Way E,
Bainbridge Island, WA

Tasting Room/Gallery Hours:
Monday, Wed., Thurs. 1:00 to 6:00 pm
Closed Tuesday
Friday & Saturday Noon to 8:00 pm
Sunday Noon to 6:00 pm

The venue is walking distance from the Bainbridge ferry terminal and Bainbridge Island Art Museum (BIMA is open until 6 pm). Admission to BIMA is FREE. If you’ve never been, I encourage you to check out this beautiful museum focused on art and craft of the Puget Sound region. Recommended at BIMA is Mike Biskup’s delightful, contemporary watercolors up at BIMA through Feb. 3. They’re full of bold flow and color.

Second reception March 1

BONUS! There’s a second artist reception March 1, 6-8 p.m. (Winslow First Friday Art Walk). My show at Amelia Wynn & Wendy Armstrong Gallery is up until April 3.

If you’re in the area, I hope you can stop by. Cheers!