Note Type
Antony Hayton, Exhibit DirectorNote
Willie Daniels (1950-2021)
River Bend on the St. Lucie
Oil on Canvas circa late 1990s
Image size 18" X 24"
Willie Daniels was fortunate to live near Roy McLendon, Mary Ann Carroll, and Harold Newton. Growing up nearby, he was able to have regular contact with these legends, watching and learning from them. He combined that knowledge with the speed painting techniques of Alfred Hair, enabling him to create detailed impressions of Florida's coastline, meandering rivers, and savannas. Daniels became skilled on both canvas and board. After the Highwaymen regained notoriety in the late 1990s, Daniels returned to painting following a hiatus during which he took odd jobs. He soon became prolific, producing stunningly comprehensive scenes. With such a large group as the Highwaymen, it's easy to overlook the many talented artists who emerged from a collective that critics once labeled as producing "hotel art." While it's true that they sold their work to hotels or anyone else who showed interest, their primary goal was to earn a living from their craft. Their significant productivity allowed the Highwaymen to enter an unmatched realm of artistic creativity. A Florida Art Factory, if you will, that catapulted them to legend as "The last great American Art movement of the 20th Century."
Daniel has perfected a distinctly unique painting style, and this artwork exemplifies the evolution of his craft in the later part of his career. His river paintings are noteworthy for his ability to use the river to mirror the trees and shoreline. As the river flows into the distance, all the trees and foliage on both sides appear reflected in the water. In some of his paintings, you can almost turn them upside down and see how he employed this mirror imagery—indeed, a creative technique. Throughout the exhibit, you'll notice that many artists depict the bend in the St. Lucie River, a classic subject for the Highwaymen. This same river bend can also be seen in works by Harold and Sam Newton, Al Black, and others. Willie Daniels deeply admired Harold Newton and often tried to emulate his painting style. The setting or rising sun draws the viewer's focus in the distance and is beautifully reflected in the river. A reverse "C" shape fills the right foreground as the river gracefully flows onward into the distant haze.