BACKUS, Albert Ernest (Beanie), (American, 1906-1990): Florida Highwaymen Scene, St Johns River, Oil/Canvas, 24'' x 30'', signed lower right, dated 1981, custom framing, 31'' x 37''. Regarded as The Dean of Florida Painters, Backus focused his work almost entirely on Florida - landscapes, people, skyscapes and botanicals. He is recognized as the most influential of the Highwaymen artists, a group of African-American artists who sold their works from the side of the road. Backus donated generously to charities and paid for the academic art education of numerous young people he thought deserving and personally took in people who needed help. His generosity and humility were personal trademarks.