Novice artist experience painting ‘Highwaymen’ style
The legend of Florida’s Highwaymen came to life last week during a special art class held in St. James City last week. Local artist Mel Meo spent last Tuesday afternoon, introducing members of the Order of the Golden Brush in the techniques used by this illustrious group of notable artists and shared with them the history of the Highwaymen of Florida.
“The Highwaymen are a small group of African-American artists who concentrated on painting Florida landscapes. They came into being during the ’50s and began painting and then selling their work along the roadside in Florida,” Meo said. “Since that time, many artists have emulated that the Highwaymen style which depict images of a pristine Florida and are done using vibrant colors.”
The Highwaymen numbered a total of 26 artists who originally sold their work for $25 each. Today, these same original paintings can fetch thousands when offered to collectors. The Highwaymen have arisen to such acclaim that the entire group was inducted into the Florida Hall of Fame in 2004.
Meo, a self-taught artist, has often borrowed from the Highwaymen-style which is evident in much of her work. One vivid example can be seen on the west side of the exterior of the St. James City Civic Center. She also has work on display at Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery in Matlacha.
The Highwaymen art class instructed by Meo took place at the St. James City Civic Center and was attended by 16 members of the Order of the Golden Brush who were eager to learn a new technique as well as learn from one of the island’s most respected artists.
“I thought the class was just wonderful,” said novice artist, Susan Arnold. “Mel showed us how to be creative and have fun at the same time.”
While teaching the class, Meo also demonstrated that works of art can be created using very inexpensive materials. In much the same way as the original Highwaymen, Meo provided the class with simple pre-treated cardboard canvasses along with samples of ordinary house paints.
“Most of the paints I use for this type of work I get at the hardware store,” Meo said. “The larger stores often have an area where they have what they call oops paints. These are paints that were returned by the original purchaser because they didn’t turn out to be the color they wanted. The store then discounts these paints and sells them in a variety of container sizes. I love to go into the store and see what colors they have when ever I go into town.”
Using basic colors like yellow, red, blue and green, those attending the class were each able to produce a sunset water scene which was completed within the three hour session.
“It was really a delightful afternoon and I would love to do it again,” said participant, Melissa Meyers.
According to class organizer, Linda Selleck, her group hopes to sponsor more of these classes throughout the season which will be open to the public.
“It is our intent to inspire and celebrate the creative spirit in all who attend,” said Selleck. “Next month we will have Joan Roberts who is known for her expressionistic style and I am sure this class will be well attended.”
Roberts is the cover artist for the book, “A Guide to the Arts on Pine Island” and her work is featured in several island galleries.”
The class instructed by Roberts will take place on Tuesday, March 8.
The Order of the Golden Brush meets at the St. James City Civic Center on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Lemon Street in St. James City each Tuesday morning, year-round, beginning at 10 a.m. and all are welcome to attend.
For more information about the Order of the Golden Brush or the upcoming class to be taught by Joan Roberts, call Honey at 283-3092 or Melissa at 283-5203.