CHICO WHEELER
(1946-2014)
Charles "Chico" Wheeler was a member somewhat on the outskirts of the group, and his personal information he preferred to keep to himself. His main mentor is noted to be Livingston Roberts. Like many others, Charles got his start by making frames for Alfred Hair.
Chico started his painting in the mid to late 1960’s, occasionally these early works unsigned. He sometimes sold on the road, but primarily used painting to supplement his income from working the citrus groves in Vero and Ft. Pierce. He would paint with Livingston after a full day of work.
His style changed drastically over time, and the style we identify as Wheeler’s work tends to be very distinct from the other artists. His early Upson board pieces model the quick cookie-cutter style, while his later masonite style features a concentration of heavy pasto and focuses on the smaller details. His artwork is more surreal than realistic, bringing into the fold a “folk-art” style unlike the other artists. This is often displayed by simple scenes venturing away from the common ones populated by the others in the group. He is particularly known for his dramatic colored skies in bright orange, deep purple and blue. He also included other aspects of Florida life in his art; wildlife such as deer, cow, fish, and birds, or figures hanging clothes, walking dirt roads, and picking oranges. His landscapes are dreamy and vibrant, yet simple. True folk art evoking desire for the uncomplicated lifestyle of old Florida.
Biographies are adapted from those on thehighwaymentrail.com, one of the earliest informative websites on the Florida Highwaymen. Since the site is no longer active, we have provided them here.
