Note
Ellis Buckner (1943-1991)
Everglades Sunrise
Oil on Canvas circa early 1970s
Image size 24" X 36"
Ellis was the youngest of the two Buckner brothers who became Highwaymen; both were gifted artists who created quality works rather than pursuing "speed painting" methodologies. Ellis and his brother George took to painting as a way to support their family of 12, as both brothers had to drop out of school as teenagers after their father died. Before they found painting, they pursued any and all ways to make a living, selling vegetables and fish from a roadside stand, laboring as pickers in the local orange groves, painting signs, cutting lawns, working as car detailers, and running a barbecue shop. Elder brother George recalled to Highwaymen author Gary Monroe, "Ellis said, there's got to be a better way than this." Then, one day, Ellis found Gifford native Harold Newton painting, and the idea of earning money as a painter took hold. He then met Alfred Hair and some of the other early members who were making money selling paintings. Newton gave him a few lessons. Buckner began painting and selling his work. Returning home, according to George, with "a wad of dough that would have choked a horse," the brothers Buckner soon became part of the group—known for their quality work. They are considered some of the best.
The Buckners understood the luminescence and nuances of Florida's ever-changing skies. They used the many subtleties of light, sun, clouds, and shadows as they played constantly through all times of the day and night, perceptively capturing a transcendent quality to their works. This would become a trademark of their paintings and set the Buckners apart; how two untrained brothers could learn this skill while facing so many challenges of family and race is compelling. This Everglades sunrise scene in shades of grey is a unique work, unlike any others created by the Highwaymen. Painted on canvas, as were many of the finer works by George and Ellis Buckner. It is unlikely that the Buckners were aware of the French Impressionists, particularly Claude Monet's influential painting, "Impression, soleil levant" (Impression Sunrise). However, this evocative work by Ellis Buckner echos Monet's quintessential genius.