Florida Highwaymen Artist-R.L. Lewis

 Robert Lewis is one of the original "Florida Highwaymen" artists, and has been inducted in the Florida Hall of Fame for Artists. He is one of a group of African-American painters from the 1950's and 1960's who continues to paint Florida landscapes. Unable to sell their paintings in galleries at that time, they sold them from the trunks of their cars along the highway.

This jovial, gregarious man talked, answered numerous questions, and painted at the same time. His technique is wet-on-wet. Below is the progression of one of his paintings.

The artist painting only from his mind, none of us knowing the outcome.

Here's hubby, pretending he didn't know he was in the picture. :P

 The end result. Amazing! I can't imagine fending off questions and still completing this wonderful painting.

Robert Lewis, age 71, is an example of persevering and believing. I feel privileged to have witnessed this.

"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6  

May I remember that the Master's hand is still holding my wet paintbrush, until He signs my portrait.

photos:karenrevans