Note Type
Antony Hayton, Exhibit DirectorNote
Johnny "Hook" Daniels (1954 - 2009)
Egret's Roost
Oil on Canvas circa mid-1980s
Image size 30" X 40"
Johnny Daniels's older brother, Willie, joined the group as a teenager. Soon after, the younger Johnny also became involved, building frames and prepping Upson Boards while enjoying the company of other artists and socializing at backyard barbecues. Influenced by his brother's friend Alfred Hair, Johnny quickly embraced Hair's approach to fast painting. Through his brother's friendship with Livingston Roberts and Sam Newton, Johnny also had the opportunity to learn from them. Despite being young, Johnny was one of the group's earliest members, and his creative works showcased original and distinctly different scenes that set him apart from the other artists.
Johnny Daniels was an expressive and skilled artist known for his unique abilities and for creating impressive larger works on canvas, which set him apart from other artists. His paintings showcased detailed brushwork and a distinctive style. He gained recognition for his dramatic skies and diverse subject matter, often featuring wildlife and birds from Florida. Tragically, he passed away at the young age of 54, but he is remembered as one of the most prolific artists in his circle, having begun his painting journey in his mid-teens. In his later years, he also mentored the next generation of Highwaymen artists.