James Michael Newell (February 21, 1900 – December 1985) was a gold medaled WPA artist, best known for his fresco murals.

James Michael Newell was commissioned by Potomac Electric Power Company to paint murals in lobbies of Washington D.C. offices.

In 1940, Newell was commissioned by the Section of Fine Arts of Federal Works Agency to paint "The Underground Railroad", in the Dolgeville, NY post office.

[3] In the same year, Newell painted an oil on canvas named "The Death of Pere Marquette" in the U.S. Post Office in Des Plaines, Illinois.

In addition, his murals, selected by President and Mrs. Roosevelt have been the focus in films highlighting the art of the WPA.