Lel’s Blog

Hello and welcome! Here you'll find news and musings about art, inspiration, and upcoming shows. I'm a currently a participant in the Bainbridge Island Winter Studio Tour.

No. 58 becomes Landing Party

August 28, 2018 · Lel ·

Bold blue orange and gold abstract, evoking Star Trek Landing Party by Lel Newman — Landing Party

“Landing Party” is one of the few of my Shapemaking artworks that have a non-numerical title. When my husband suggested it I instantly got it. I said “Yes! that’s perfect”. So far, no one else has instantly “got it”. Do you get it? I explain below, but first, let me tell you a little about my trouble with titles.

Naming abstract artwork is not easy for me

The process of making the artwork is what I enjoy most. Making shapes, modifying the form, space, and color to the point I’m satisfied and feel that jolt of art-joy. I hope the viewer will feel the same. I’m done, so what’s next? Oh the hard part for me… giving the artwork a title. If I plan to share the work on Instagram, as I often do, I’m kinda in a hurry so I will usually just date it and not bother with a title. I can worry about that later.

Showing at Fremont’s Saturn Building in August-September

July 25, 2018 · Lel ·

I’m excited to show my artwork at Fremont’s Saturn Building Aug. 2-Sept. 28. If you’re in the neighborhood I hope you can stop in and check it out. (My work is on the 3rd floor.) The building is open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends.
Better yet…

Come out for Fremont First Friday Artwalk

I’ll be there September 7, 6-9 p.m.

Saturn Building – 3417 Evanston Ave N, Fremont, Seattle – Located across the street from the famous Fremont Rocket. Fremont aka the “Center of the Universe” has lots of public art and friendly places to shop, eat, and drink.

Above are a sampling of the Shapemaking Series works and Expressive Abstract Paintings that will be available at the show.

See my work on the 3rd floor of the Saturn Building in Fremont.

Day 95 of abstract art making

July 6, 2018 · Lel ·

4 colorful compositions by Leslie (Lel) Newman — No. 61, 62, 63 & 64 from my 100 Day Instagram Art Challenge – 100 Days of Shapemaking

My 100 Day Project 2018 is wrapping up soon. I’ll post number 95 today, next Wednesday, July 11 will be number 100! That’s on Instagram of course.

My 100 Day art practice

Every night I sit down and create a piece of personal art. Although I’m trained in the ways of color and composition, it’s become a somewhat instinctual act. I start with one shape. Then add, subtract and multiply until I’m content, or too tired to go on. I can’t just bag it, I have to post. That’s what the challenge is about. Don’t abandon your idea because it isn’t perfect, work with it until it’s good enough. Like last year, after 100 I’ll have a good handful I’m very pleased with and I’ll finish them off and print them. To hold them in my hands is very satisfying. The color is rich, the paper is lush, they’re gems of my own creation. Ooh, I’m a little dizzy. Get a grip!Continue Reading

100 Day Project 2018 – Another Shapemaking Art Challenge on Instagram

April 7, 2018 · Lel ·

I’m in.

I’d been mulling over the idea. Should I do it again? I recall it started last April, when? Mid-April, I don’t know, I was just pondering. I hadn’t done much shapemaking artwork since the end of the challenge last year, July 12, 2017. Before that, I had created one every day for 100 days.

So on Monday, April 2, I’m scrolling on Instagram and I see Kathleen’s post about her committing to the 100 Day Challenge, starting tomorrow. What! Tomorrow? No more pondering it was time to commit (or not).