Note Type
Antony Hayton, Exhibit DirectorNote
Johnny "Hook" Daniels (1954-2009)
Misty River Sunrise
Oil on Canvas circa mid-1980s
Image Size 30" X 40"
The group was considered "amorphous," as their artistic goals were never clearly defined. There was no formal "membership," and a gap of more than a decade separated the younger and older painters. However, their art, which is closely associated with a specific time and place, has become integral to modern Florida's identity. They were merely painting their way out of the bleak existence of working in Florida's citrus groves and packinghouses. What emerged from this experience has become legendary; creating art was a response to overcoming oppressive, racist laws and social conventions. As a result, they produced a massive volume of commercially appealing art that has caused the Highwaymen to be called "The Last Great American Art Movement of the 20th Century."
Daniels was the youngest of the artists, while Harold Newton was a full 20 years older. However, because Daniels started at a young age, he was able to learn from the core members of the group. He was more adventurous in his choice of subject matter than many of the others. Johnny often painted large portraits of bears, eagles, wild turkeys, deer, and foxes. His expansive landscapes featured vibrant big skies, colorful clouds, and scenes that were different from those of the other artists. He explored untried themes that were new to the Highwaymen. In this variation on a theme, he presents a majestic scene brimming with life: a misty river bend at the break of day.