Born in Michigan, Newell studied art at the National Academy of Design, Columbia University and at Albion College in Michigan. A member of the National Academy, the Salmagundi Club, American Watercolor Society, New York Watercolor Club and the Lotus Club, Newell exhibited his works extensively in the late 1890s and 1900. Exhibitions included National Academy of Design, Boston Art Club, Art Institute of Chicago, Salmagundi Club, the Corcoran Gallery biennials and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. His works are part of the collections of many fine museums and institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Art, Butler Museum, National Academy of Design, Corcoran Gallery and the National Academy of Design. Known for his landscape and cattle scenes, Newell painted in the impressionistic tradition, often painting en plein air.