The Highwaymen, also referred to as the Florida Highwaymen, are a group of 26 African American landscape artists from the area of Fort Pierce, Florida. They made a living selling their paintings door-to-door to businesses and individuals throughout Florida from the mid-1950s through the 1980s. Due to the racial segregation that was in place in Florida in the 1950s, they faced many racial and cultural barriers. No professional galleries would accept the work of Black artists so they also sold their art work from the trunks of their cars along the eastern coastal roads earning the moniker of Highwaymen. The roads Florida State Road A1A and U.S. Route 1 in Florida were roads where they sold their work. Many members of the Highwaymen credit their training and style to their high school art teacher Zanobia Jefferson and to the mentorship of prominent local artist Alfred "Beanie" Backus.From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Original Art Movements text
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Influenced in the late fifties and early sixties by the great Florida naturalist, A.E. “Beanie” Backus, the black artists, along with others, used canvasboard, upson board, masonite and canvas to paint on creating dramatically powerful, yet serene, “Florida scapes”.
This artwork was sold by the artists themselves while traveling up and down the highways, primarily along the eastern seaboard, during the last forty years.
Period
1950s – 1980s
Began in
Florida, United States
Founded by
Alfred Hair
Key artists
Alfred Hair, Al Black, James Gibson, Roy McLendon
Related
Pop Art, Situationist International, Op Art
How to recognise it
Key characteristics of Indian River School (Florida Highwaymen)
Florida landscapes: palms, beaches, rivers and sunsets
Quick, bright paintings on board
Sold directly to the public, often from car boots along the highway
Self-taught artists, many mentored by A. E. Backus
Large numbers of works made for a popular market
Timeline
When was Indian River School (Florida Highwaymen)?
Indian River School (Florida Highwaymen) is usually dated 1950s – 1980s, beginning in Florida, United States. Dates for art movements are approximate: artists joined and left, and styles overlapped.
James Gibsonborn 1938African American artist and member of artist group The Highwaymen
Roy McLendon1932–2024American painter
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Indian River School (Florida Highwaymen) explained on video
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Trash or Treasure Florida Highwaymen AIRED 06 04 11.mpg
Bob Von Gyurcsy · 3:44
Florida Highwaymen: Landscape Artists
Charlotte County Community Services · 10:38
Florida Frontiers TV - Episode 26 - The Highwaymen Artists
Florida Historical Society · 26:47
FAQ
Indian River School (Florida Highwaymen): common questions
What is Indian River School (Florida Highwaymen)?
The Florida Highwaymen: African American landscape painters who sold their work from the roadside.
When was Indian River School (Florida Highwaymen)?
Indian River School (Florida Highwaymen): 1950s – 1980s. It began in Florida, United States. Dates for art movements are approximate.
What are the main characteristics of Indian River School (Florida Highwaymen)?
Florida landscapes: palms, beaches, rivers and sunsets; Quick, bright paintings on board; Sold directly to the public, often from car boots along the highway; Self-taught artists, many mentored by A. E. Backus; Large numbers of works made for a popular market.
Who are the most famous Indian River School (Florida Highwaymen) artists?
Alfred Hair, Al Black, James Gibson, Roy McLendon.
