Note Type
Antony Hayton, Exhibit DirectorNote
Samuel "Sam" Newton (1948 - )
Stormy Shore
Oil on Upson Board circa mid to late 1970s
Image size 18" X 24"
The younger brothers Newton, Sam, and Lem had the benefit of their older brother Harold paving the way for their success. Harold set the standard for the other artists in terms of quality of work, but he also gave them a template of saleable scenes and a way to market them. Sam and Lem were both taught how to paint by their older brother, he was undoubtedly a great teacher for them both, and a mentor for them and the other Highwaymen artists. Examination of works done by the Newton brothers displays their similarities in technique and style. There is a distinct similarity in their brushwork, palette knife work, and color and paint application, not to mention the scenes they painted. These artists were proud of their work, and many of their paintings ventured into the spectacular. The bottom line was that they were making a living from making art and doing something they enjoyed and could feel proud of.
The influence of Harold on younger brother Sam was immense. Sam, was 14 years younger than Harold, by the time Sam started to paint in his teenage years, Harold was already a serious and mature artist. Whatever Harold imparted to Sam, the younger brother took to heart. He quickly transitioned to creating quality paintings by the time he was in his early 20s. Sam Newton loved nature and wildlife, he was a keen observer, and was able to translate the bounty of Florida's natural environment to Upson Board, and later on to masonite or canvas. He had all the skills and talents of his older brother. Capturing mood and movement, this painting by Sam in his mid-20s at the time, displays his raw talent to present lifelike impressions of the natural beauty of Florida and the omnipotent power and perminence of nature.