Lemuel ("Lem") Newton (American 1950 – 2014) and his brothers and nephew are among the most sought-after artists of the Florida Highwaymen. What amazing family talent. Lemuel's prices have skyrocketed, especially in the years since he died. He lived long enough to see his work appreciated by the art world. From such a humble beginning, through hard times, he succeeded in reaching such great recognition and success.
This painting is exceptional by any standards. It is simply wonderful. The clouds are so very beautiful. The sky has always been my love; especially the beautiful skies that we have in Florida. Lemuel re-creates the clouds that pick up the colors that change so subtly from dawn to dusk, and that offer such a lift to one's spirits.
The Highwaymen, a group of 26, all men and one woman have come a long way. A number of these wonderful artists have passed away, and the remaining eleven original Highwaymen are now aged and gray. One of them, Sylvester Wells, has lost his sight. In their journey, they have accomplished a list of accolades, but only over years and decades. From the 1950s, times of turmoil, until 2004, that's the time it has taken twenty-six African Americans to receive recognition, an induction into the Museum of Florida History, Artists Hall of Fame, in Tallahassee Florida. The Highwaymen most recent accolade is "the Smithsonian!" In November 2017, the group was reaffirmed by the "National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington D. C." From the side of the road to legends of the road, the history makers have earned state, national and international achievements. "But it hasn't always been that way," in reality, it has been a "struggle" that has taken decades, over a lifetime, for the group who became known as the Florida Highwaymen Original Artists.

Country of Origin: U. S. A.

Title: Rio Mar.

Artist: Lemuel ("Lem") Newton (American 1950 – 2014).

Medium: Oil Paint on Upson Board.

Size: 23 by 35 inches; Framed 27 1/2 by 38 1/2 by 1 1/5 inches.

Signed: Lower Right.

Condition: Very Good Vintage Condition.

Authentication: ALL of our Highwaymen paintings have been authenticated by the recognized authority on Highwaymen paintings, Mr.Paul Barratini.

***Please note that the physical colors of this item may vary from the pictures in the listing, given the quality of the camera, the lighting and the background used.