Lel’s Blog

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

Bainbridge Island Studio Tour Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, 2018

November 16, 2018 · Lel ·

First timer!

This will be the first time I’ve participated in the Bainbridge Island Studio Tour, or any multi-day art fair. I think I’m ready. I’m a fan of the tour, and have enjoyed being a patron ever since my husband started showing his work there some years ago. All the venues are warm and welcoming with a festive atmosphere (and treats). Thanks to encouragement from friends I applied and was juried in! I will be at the Robert Spangler Studio on the south end of the island (8495 NE Oddfellows Road).

I’m showing my limited edition abstract prints — the bold, graphic Shapemaking series, and expressive digital paintings. I’d love for you to see them in-person.

Bainbridge Island Studio Winter Tour – Nov. 30, Dec. 1 & 2 – 10 am to 5 pm

STUDIO 1 – Robert Spangler Studio – 8495 NE Oddfellows Road, Bainbridge Island

There are eight venues and 59 artists on the tour! Here’s the brochure from the Bainbridge Island Studio Tour website (PDF).

My studio mates

Also exhibiting in the Spangler Studio will be my husband, Tim Celeski (wood furniture and sculpture), Susan Arens (encaustic paintings), Linda Ricci (porcelain pottery), and Brian Goodman (Photography).

Robert Spangler Studio

Studio 1 hosts, Bob Spangler and Birgit Josenhans are delightful people and talented woodworkers. They design and build contemporary furniture that is drool worthy. I got a sneak peek at some of pieces that will be available at the show, including a new chair design. If you’re a fan of modern furniture design you must see this new piece. I know this is where a photo should be, but I’ll leave that for Bob to unveil on his website, or better yet come see if for yourself in his spacious wood shop on the south end of the island. In the mean time Bob’s Instagram is below.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @robt.spangler.furniture on Jun 14, 2016 at 9:01pm PDT

Take a mini vacation on Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island is a fun, easy excursion for Seattle residents, drive on the ferry at Colman dock in Seattle and spend a day on the island. It’s another world.

A ferry ride is so much more pleasant that sitting is I-5 gridlock. On the island see some big trees and peruse fine arts and crafts. Discover a new artist and maybe find the perfect gift for a dear one (or yourself). The BIST venues have treats, but you always could grab a cinnamon roll and coffee at Blackbird Bakery, or try the new Coquette Bake Shop kiosk everyone is raving about, both are in Winslow. Sounds delicious all around!

Puget Sound and Bainbridge Island with dramatic clouds — Ferry view

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).