Meet A.E. Backus​

Although technically not one of the Florida Highwaymen group of artists, A.E. Backus is closely associated with the group. Backus is considered to have been an important mentor to some, and inspiration to all of the actual Highwaymen artists. Backus is credited with teaching art to a wide range of students. No one knows exactly how many artists actually studied with Backus, or were merely mentored or inspired by him. Estimates put the number in the hundreds. Backus’s protegees are also referred to as “the Indian River School” of artists. The Highwaymen directly copied Backus’ paintings with varying degrees of success, Harold Newton being the one who’s artistic talents bring him closest to Backus.