Oil on canvas 16 x 20 in.
Everglades by Donald D. Brown
Don Brown was a notable member of the Indian River School of Painting, an informal collective that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s in Florida. Although not a formal institution, this group primarily consisted of African-American individuals from the working class who harbored a shared passion for painting.
The Indian River School, denoting Floridian artists from the mid-20th century, showcased a strong connection to nature, with a majority of its members being of African-American descent. Characterized by swift brushstrokes, their artwork diverged from traditional painting methods. A key influencer for the group was A.E. Backus, a Bohemian white individual who served as a mentor to this community of young black artists. Gathering in Backus’s studio, affectionately known as ‘Beanie,’ these artists found an escape from their lower-class labor jobs through the art of painting.
Their creations, marked by powerful and dramatic aesthetics, skillfully captured the tranquility and beauty of the Florida countryside. Although the exact count of artists mentored by A.E. Backus remains unknown, experts estimate it to be around 20 individuals, many of whom he supported through college. Several of these artists continue to paint, showcasing and selling their works in galleries and online platforms. Notably, some pieces may be challenging to locate as they reside in private collections.
Known Artists of the Indian River School of Art:
A.E. Backus (‘Beanie’) – 1906-1955
Don D. Brown
James Hutchinson
Therese Knowles
Margaret Z. Smith-1925-2005
Julie Enders
Annie Nobles Miller
Jackie Schindehette
Jackie Brice
Some famous Paintings and Art of the Indian River School:
A.E. Backus (‘Beanie’) – Fire Sky
Don. D. Brown- The Offering
James Hutchinson- Jacaranda Shade Florida, Tropical Poinciana
Theresa Knowles-La Source and Ferns at the Spring
Jackie Schindehette-Double Red
Roseate Spoonbills-Jewels of Nature
Museums, Galleries or Exhibitions of the Indian River School of Art:
