Highwaymen Art Specialists founded by highwaymen art collector Roger Lightle 25 years ago.
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A Closer Look
The Highwaymen, a group of African American artists in Florida, gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s for their vibrant landscape paintings. These artists, initially marginalized and unable to access traditional galleries, sold their works door-to-door and from the trunks of their cars, creating an enduring legacy. The Highwaymen’s distinctive style is characterized by vivid colors, swift brushstrokes, and scenes that capture the natural beauty of Florida. This article delves into the artistic techniques used by the Highwaymen and offers demonstrations and tutorials for aspiring artists.
The Artistic Techniques of the Highwaymen
Use of Vivid Colors
One of the most striking features of Highwaymen art is the bold and vivid color palette. The artists used bright and saturated colors to depict the lush landscapes of Florida, making their paintings instantly recognizable.
Techniques:
Acrylic and Oil Paints: The Highwaymen primarily used inexpensive, fast-drying oil paints. This choice allowed them to quickly create and sell their works.
Bold Color Choices: The artists often chose bright greens, blues, oranges, and pinks to capture the vibrancy of Florida’s environment. They weren’t afraid to exaggerate these colors to create a more dramatic effect.
Tutorial:
Materials Needed: Canvas, oil or acrylic paints, brushes, palette.
Step-by-Step:
Prepare Your Canvas: Start with a prepped canvas and choose a landscape scene.
Block In Colors: Begin by blocking in the main colors of the scene using broad strokes. Don’t worry about details at this stage.
Layering: Once the base layer is dry, add layers of brighter colors to build up the scene’s vibrancy. Focus on areas that catch the most light.
Blending: Use a dry brush to blend the colors smoothly, creating a natural transition between different hues.
Quick Painting Methods
The Highwaymen were known for their quick painting methods, which allowed them to produce large volumes of work efficiently. This technique was both a practical necessity and a defining characteristic of their style.
Techniques:
Wet-on-Wet: This technique involves applying wet paint onto a wet surface, allowing colors to blend seamlessly. It’s faster than waiting for each layer to dry.
Palette Knife Painting: Some Highwaymen used palette knives to apply thick layers of paint quickly, adding texture and dimension to their work.
Initial Layer: Apply a thin layer of paint to the entire canvas to establish a base.
Wet-on-Wet Technique: Quickly apply additional layers of paint while the base layer is still wet. Use broad, sweeping motions to blend colors.
Palette Knife Technique: Use a palette knife to apply thicker paint in areas where you want to add texture. This technique is particularly effective for creating foliage, waves, and clouds.
Capturing Light and Atmosphere
The Highwaymen excelled at capturing the light and atmosphere of Florida’s landscapes, often painting scenes at sunrise or sunset when the light is most dramatic.
Demonstrations for Aspiring Artists
Creating a Florida Sunset Scene
Materials Needed:
Canvas, acrylic or oil paints, brushes, palette knife.
Step-by-Step:
Prepare Your Canvas: Apply a base coat of gesso and let it dry.
Sketch: Lightly sketch the horizon line and basic shapes of the landscape.
Block In Colors: Start with the sky, using a palette of oranges, pinks, and purples for a sunset effect.
Blend: Use a dry brush to blend the colors seamlessly.
Foreground: Add the foreground elements, such as palm trees, using a palette knife for texture.
Details: Add finer details, like the reflection of the sunset on water, using a small brush.
Painting a Vibrant Florida Landscape
Materials Needed:
Canvas, oil paints, brushes, palette knives.
Step-by-Step:
Initial Layer: Apply a thin layer of paint to the entire canvas as a base.
Wet-on-Wet: Quickly add layers of color while the base is still wet, blending with broad strokes.
Texture: Use a palette knife to apply thicker paint for trees and foliage.
Details: Add final touches, such as highlights on leaves and the shimmer of water, with a fine brush.
Conclusion
The Highwaymen’s art is celebrated for its vibrant colors, quick painting methods, and ability to capture the essence of Florida’s landscapes. By understanding and practicing their techniques, aspiring artists can create dynamic and expressive works that pay homage to this unique and influential group of painters. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, experimenting with these methods can enhance your artistic skills and appreciation for the Highwaymen’s legacy.
