Robert Lewis (1941- )
Born: Cocoa, Florida
Robert Lewis attended the historically black Monroe High School in Cocoa. Here he met his biggest supporter, a white artist and art teacher named Alberta Leisure. One day in 1958, she brought a newspaper article to class; it was about Harold Newton who was making a name for himself as an artist. Impressed by Newton’s talent, a few years later Robert met him. By the time Robert was a senior, Ms. Leisure had encouraged him to go to college to become an art teacher.
He attended Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida, Syracuse University in New York, and Florida A & M in Tallahassee, earning his bachelor’s degree in art education in 1966. He worked as an illustrator for Boeing for a short time and then turned to teaching. He retired after 32 years. Robert began selling his paintings in 1967. He continues to be active as an artist, often working with organizations aimed at preserving Florida’s landscape. He is frequently involved in fundraisers for nonprofit organizations, and has a long-standing relationship with the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and the citrus industry. His work is sometimes referred to as “Florida’s history on canvas.” However, Robert’s paintings are not limited to the Sunshine State; he paints landscapes of areas in many southern States. One series, for example, is about the Chesapeake Bay.
Robert has a longtime marriage and three children. Although he worked full time as a teacher for decades, for 15 years he also worked part time at Brevard Community College as an adult education instructor.
Occasionally, Lewis, gets questions about his identity as a Highwayman since he didn’t paint with them. It is the commonalities in their work, he claims, that marks his membership in the group. He knew the Newton brothers, and in the early days, he painted on Upson board like most of the Highwaymen. Still, he distinguishes himself as a trained artist who went to college and became a certified art teacher.
While he is proud to be named a Highwayman, it is Robert Lewis’ dedication to teaching that marks his identity. His eldest son, Robert Lewis, Jr., who helps manage his career as an artist, says that teaching is “a gift meant to be shared, not snared.”
Biography information: obtained from website thehighwaymentrail(.com). This website is a fantastic reference to learn about the 26 Florida Highwaymen artists and their importance to Florida's history.