Biography

Roy Newell was an American abstract painter, born on May 10, 1914, in Manhattan's Lower East Side, and he passed away on November 22, 2006, in Manhattan. Known for his richly-hued geometric forms, Newell's work is characterized by subtle juxtapositions and textures, often on an intimate scale. His paintings are noted for their striking color harmonies, which he meticulously refined over many years, resulting in works that were sometimes an inch thick due to the layers of paint. Newell was a self-taught artist who became a founding member of the 8th Street Artist Club, alongside notable figures such as Willem de Kooning and Franz Kline. Despite his association with the Group of American Abstract Expressionists, Newell was not prolific, creating fewer than 100 paintings in his lifetime. His works are held in prestigious collections, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Pollock-Krasner House. Newell's dedication to his craft and the unique depth of his paintings make his work highly collectible. His influence from artists like Cézanne and Malevich is evident in his approach, and his legacy is celebrated through exhibitions, such as the retrospective at Woodward Gallery in 1996, which highlighted his contributions to abstract art.