Florida Highwaymen, Vintage Art

"Outsider Art." The Original African American Landscape Painters

May 1, 2009

Highwaymen art, a product of Florida's history of segregation, depicts unique tropical beauty in styles ranging from self taught to sophisticated artistic expression.

The highwaymen, a group of African American artists beginning in the late 1950s, sold their Florida themed paintings along the highways of the state for well over a decade. Highwaymen art is sometimes dubbed “outsider art.”

Unable to sell their paintings in stores the 26 artists, originally unaffiliated, sold their wares along the roads of S.E. Florida and in hotels and offices. Painting in bright colors, the sunsets, sun-ups, palms, and poiciana trees were created on inexpensive backboards.

Prolific Artwork Originally Created to Make Money

The original highwaymen had no pretensions other than to create and sell. It is this wealth of artwork that goes from collector to collector increasing the value of the paintings. Recognition by the art world began in the mid 1990s. Jim Fitch coined the tern Highwaymen for the winter/spring edition of Antiques and Art Around Florida. The New York Times picked up the term in an article they published about the artwork and artists. Fitch in 1997 reported in that same magazine, “interest in their work has spread beyond belief.”

The vast collection of what is sometimes called vintage highwaymen paintings or original highway paintings travels to various museums, art shows, and craft exhibits throughout Florida and the US. The artists continue to expand their business entrepreneurial spirit by selling calendars, prints, coffee mugs, and greeting cards, among other kitsch. Many have become quite wealthy with websites and staff to assist them. Most remain affable and accessible. The name itself has a US patent.

Filling a Need for Inexpensive Art

These men, and the one woman filled a need for rapidly and reproducible art to influx society. They also filed a need for themselves to integrate the art world. Become businessmen, and for some to refine and develop artistic skills and talent. Some remain craftsmen, other are true artists. The paintings are actively sought and sold by the artists and the public.

Caution is Advised To Authenticate Professional Highwaymen Paintings

Thousands of dollars have been paid for frauds. Although the paintings originally sold for a few dollars up to $25 they are worth thousands today. There is much imitation, and unfortunately, forgery as well. Ebay has a disclaimer in their Highwaymen art section. Shows are regularly scheduled and it is there one can meet artists whose story and work survived these circumstances and continues to be created today by those who are still alive and by their offspring.

Information on the Art

Bob Beattyl, their authorized biographer of Florida Highwaymen: Legendary Landscapes sells his book at their showings. The Highwaymen: Legends of the Road is a PBS DVD telling their story. Another informative book on the group is by Gary Monroe.

Inducted in the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2004

The copyright of the article Florida Highwaymen, Vintage Art in Outsider Art is owned by Amy Andersen. Permission to republish Florida Highwaymen, Vintage Art in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.