Dragonfly HeArt was established in 2010. With a few commissioned pieces and word of mouth from family and friends… Dragonfly HeArt was on its way to becoming a full-time passion of Leslie.

Leslie Newell creates one-of-a-kind Beach art using found items that will warm your heart and make you smile. Keeping you closer to the sea every day. Growing up summers were spent sailing the New England Coast on “The Dragonfly” captained by her father Phillips Lewis. Some of the voyages lasted up to three weeks! During that time many harbors and islands were explored. While living in Broad Cove, she used her creativity to navigate a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and developed her career as a sculpture artist utilizing found materials. Today, her work reflects her perseverance and love for the ocean.

Leslie has always loved art and came from a family of early Californian settlers who were landscape artists. Her late brother was also an artist, and her mother was the longest-standing docent at the Portland Museum of Art. This exposure from an early age developed a great appreciation of art. Before the start of her career, she was always passionate about multi-media and texture-full works. She encourages people to touch her work and loves it when they identify with her creations. All her pieces give every owner an individual piece of the ocean whether they are near or far.

In each artwork, a natural mix of color and texture is utilized. Recycled barn windows are commonly used as canvas and a proprietary blend of beach sand is used to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Items from local beaches, discarded hardware from vintage markets, and even shells from restaurants in the greater Portland Maine area are utilized in her work.

Throughout various struggles in her life from her own diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease to the caregiving of her mother during her memory loss, Leslie has always found her way back to her creations. Saying, “It has become everything I have ever wanted to do.” Every piece is an exploration of new techniques. It reflects the ever-changing attitude and peace many people love when they are at the beach.