Why Sam Newman is selling artwork, including that of a celebrated artist

Recently bereaved Sam Newman says he now lives in a place “about as big as a caravan”, and has no room to hang his prized art collection, so is selling up.

Former Geelong great and Footy Show star, Sam Newman, is selling part of his art collection including two works by a celebrated Indigenous artist.

Newman, 75, is selling the works through Gibson’s Auction House after downsizing to a smaller property this year.

The two works by indigenous artist Tommy Watson will be offered along with pieces by Peter Moller and Graeme Roche in Gibson’s Australian and International Fine Art auction on October 24.

A selection of more affordable pieces that Newman has accrued over years are being offered via Gibson’s Art Emporium online action which closes on Monday.

Newman said he was selling the pieces so they could be enjoyed by others rather than have them in storage.

“I have had them and I have enjoyed them but I have nowhere to put them so I am selling them,” he said.

“I downsized from an apartment I was in and I live in what would otherwise be known as a caravan, it is about as big as a caravan,” he joked.

“The space does not allow for any art to be hung on any of the walls at all, so I have decided to divest myself of what I think are appealing pieces, the main ones being a couple of terrific indigenous pieces by an artist called Tommy Watson.

“I would rather the pieces move on to someone who could actually hang them rather than have them stored in a warehouse where people don’t ever get to see them.”

Newman is no stranger to the art world.

He has been a collector of Jeffery Smart’s work, at one stage owning four pieces by the acclaimed artist including The Guiding Spheres which he paid $288,500 at auction in 1998. He has since sold it and the three other works.

“I originally bought the most valuable piece of Jeffrey Smart’s art The Guiding Spheres those years ago and that put the price of his art up by 50 per cent he told me,” Newman said.

“He rang me and flew me up to Sydney and we had lunch.”

Details: www.gibsonsauctions.com.au