Perhaps, there is no better way to teach than by example. Lee Newman's life, as both an artist and a teacher, demonstrates on a daily basis a rich and meaningful life. What makes Newman so special, and for me, left an uneraseable impression, is his energy and generosity.
It is common mythology in the commercial art world that, in order to 'make it', one must be on the 'edge' of self-destruction. The popular interpretation of art history continues to convince the audience of this fact, with examples ranging from Van Gogh's self-mutilation to the complete termination of one's life, like Mark Rothko. Lee is an ordinary healthy person in many ways; husband and father, high school teacher and football fan. However, in character, Newman is esoterically extraordinary. As my graduate school teacher and thesis advisor, he was living proof of the truth in the joy of giving. Completely engaged and absorbed in his own work as a master draughtsman, printer, and painter, Lee always had time to encourage other art students. Whether it was technical demonstration, advise, or even 'here read this book', he was always on hand to help out, expecting nothing in return. He had an uncanny way of knowing when things were needed. A paint brush or tube of paint would appear when things were tight. His critical feedback, encouragement and suggestions were always right on the money! But most amazing to me, was how he could expend all this energy on others, and yet still find time to produce his own work. Many times, I am sure this would mean working in the middle of the night, but Newman's unquenchable passion for his craft drives him forward.
Lee Newman continues today in a solid routine of exhibiting his work frequently to the public, and at the same time, he remains a committed full-time teacher. How many educators have you encountered that seem to be dried up and withered in their communication of a subject that they once presumably loved? Lee Newman's life was living proof, at the time, that I could also become a creative person, and at the same time, remain a healthy and generous human being. He is one of the most unconditional givers I have ever crossed paths with, and he is a class act that will always remain with me. Lee is a living example of the definition of what a charismatic and meaningful life should be. I am so fortunate that I had him as a mentor and friend, and his legacy lives on in all the art student's lives he touched.
-- Alan Gentile-Blackwell, American University