From the 1950’s through the 1980’s a group of twenty six self taught African American artists known as the "Florida Highwaymen" painted the Florida landscape and sold their paintings out of the trunks of cars. These artists used vivid colors to depict Florida’s natural beauty. The Florida Highwaymen painted palm trees, sunsets, the blue ocean waters and colorful tropical plants. On the weekends the Florida Highwaymen sold their paintings to local hotels, businesses and tourists for around $25 per painting. They can be found occasionally in online art auctions and galleries.
These talented artists used oil paint on upson board – a material similar to drywall – to create their original landscapes. The Florida Highwaymen were able to finish a painting in an hour or less. The paintings were often sold before the paint was dry. The frames were homemade out of crown molding, painted with house paint and gold paint. Online art auctions are a new way to purchase art.
The Florida Highwaymen are currently receiving national acclaim. Collecting Florida Highwaymen art has become an expensive hobby. Some can be found in online art auctions. Although many of the pieces were originally sold for around $25, they now fetch prices upwards of $5000. Some of the Highwaymen are still creating new works of original Florida art.
